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WHAT IS DEEP SEA MINING?

Deep sea mining involves removing mineral deposits and metals from the
ocean’s seabed.

What is deep sea mining?

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According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
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the extraction of mineral resources from the ocean below 200 metres is
called deep sea mining.
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The International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica

Role: The ISA is an autonomous international organization

established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Its primary role is to organize, regulate and control all mineral-

related activities in the international seabed area beyond the limits
of national jurisdiction, an area underlying most of the world's
oceans.

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It is also responsible for ensuring the protection of the marine
environment from harmful effects that may arise from such
activities.
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The ISA has approved numerous exploration contracts but
has not yet authorized commercial mining. This suggests a
cautious approach, balancing the potential economic
benefits of seabed mining with the need for careful
regulation to prevent environmental harm.
Polymetallic Nodules (PMN): India has been
allotted a site of 75,000 square kilometres in the
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Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by the

International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the
exploitation of Polymetallic Nodules (PMN).
 Nodules
Polymetallic
Definition: Polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese
nodules, are rock concretions formed of concentric layers of iron
and manganese hydroxides around a core.

Formation: The core of a polymetallic nodule may be formed

from the nucleus of a dead organism or some other debris.

Location: These nodules are found scattered on the seafloor of

world oceans in deep sea.

Size: They vary in size from tiny particles visible only under a
microscope to large nodules up to 20 centimetres across.
Composition: Polymetallic nodules are rich in metals such as
manganese, nickel, copper, cobalt, lithium, molybdenum, iron,
and Rare Earth Elements.

Potential Resource: They are considered valuable as potential

resources for the future, providing a significant source of these
metals without the environmental challenges of land-based
mining.

Extraction Challenges: The extraction of these nodules from the

deep sea floor is a complex and potentially environmentally
disruptive process.

Regulation: The extraction process is subject to regulation by the

International Seabed Authority to prevent potential environmental
harm.
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The Clarion Clipperton Zone, or CCZ, in the eastern
Pacific is the most studied area of commercial interest for
deep sea mining.

Situated at depths between 3,500 and 5,500 metres, this

one zone contains more nickel, manganese and cobalt than
all terrestrial resources combined.

CCZ falls outside national jurisdictions, and hence is

regulated by the ISA. So far, the authority has granted 16
exploration contracts in the CCZ.
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UNCLOS created three new institutions:

-International
e n
Tribunal for the Law of the Sea- It is an independent
judicial body established by UNCLOS to adjudicate disputes arising
out of the convention.

-International Seabed Authority- It is a UN body set up to regulate

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the exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources of

oceans in international waters.

-Commission
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on the Limits of the Continental Shelf- It facilitates the
implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea (the Convention) in respect of the establishment of the outer
limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
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UNCLOS, established from the third United Nations Conference on the
Law of the Sea (1973-1982), provides a comprehensive legal framework
for all marine and maritime activities.

The convention came into force in 1994.

UNCLOS sets limits, navigation, archipelagic status and transit regimes,

exclusive economic zones (EEZs), continental shelf jurisdiction, and
deep seabed mining.

It provides measures for Marine Protected Areas, environmental impact

assessments, and the protection of the marine environment.

UNCLOS does not deal with territorial disputes or sovereignty issues.

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 Deep Ocean Mission

Launch: The Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched

the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).

The overall estimated cost of the Deep Ocean Mission is

Rs. 4077 crores for a period of five years (2021 to 2026).

Aim: The mission aims to study biodiversity, the

impact of climate change, and establish an offshore
marine station to explore sources of thermal energy.
Six Components of the Mission:

-Development of a Manned Submersible and

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Integrated Mining System
-Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services
-Exploration of Deep-Sea Flora and Fauna
-Identification of Sources of Hydrothermal Minerals
-Development of OTEC Powered Desalination Plants
-Grooming of Ocean Biology and Engineering
Experts.
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is
developing a manned submersible to carry three human
beings to 6000 m ocean depth.

Chennai

The multi-disciplinary work will be piloted by the MoES

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and other government departments like DRDO, 0 ISRO,
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CSIR, Department of Biotechnology, will be stakeholders.
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Impactof 4GM
Impact of Deep
Sea
Mining
According to a report by non-profit Planet Tracker, the negative
impact on biodiversity could be up to 25 times greater than that of
land-based mining.

Cost of Restoration: Advocates suggest that installing artificial

clay nodules to replace those lost could mitigate the impacts.
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However, the cost of this restoration would be between $5.3 -
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$5.7 million per square kilometre, compared with a $2.7
million price per square kilometre to mine them.
Biodiversity Loss: The deep sea is a habitat for many
unique species that could be lost due to mining. Many of
these species are yet to be discovered and studied. The loss
of these species could have cascading effects on the marine
food chain.

Habitat Destruction: Mining can lead to the destruction of

physical habitats in the deep sea. These habitats often take a
long time to recover, if they can at all.

Pollution: Mining can cause pollution in the form of noise,

light, and chemicals. The release of stored carbon in the
deep sea could also contribute to climate change.
Sediment Plumes: Mining can stir up sediment from
the sea floor, creating plumes that can travel long
distances. These plumes can smother marine life and
affect the water's chemical balance.

Unknown Consequences: The deep sea is the least

understood part of the Earth. Mining could have
unforeseen consequences that we are not prepared for.
Technological and Funding Challenges: Any deep-sea
activity is hugely expensive and presents significant
technological challenges. This is particularly true in areas
like Norway's High Arctic, where difficult weather
conditions and ice sheets present additional obstacles.

Regulation Concerns: Effectiveness of International Seabed

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Authority regulations is uncertain.

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Deep ey
⑩uru
-Small Island nations of the Pacific Ocean are in fact
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“large
> ocean states”, said Prime Minister Narendra
Modi

Forum for Indo Pacific Island

cooperation e
 I :
I 3rd Summit
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New
Papua
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unc
Guinea
Jaipur
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India and 14 PICs, namely Cook Islands, Fiji,
Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru,
Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa,
Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled a 12-point
development plan for the Pacific Island nations in a range of
areas including healthcare, renewable energy and cyber-security
as he announced that India is ready to share its capabilities with
the region "without any hesitation".
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Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP):

Objective: The scheme aims to provide quality generic medicines at

affordable prices to all, especially the poor and disadvantaged.

Implementation: The scheme is implemented by the Department of

Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK): These are

exclusive outlets set up under the scheme to distribute generic drugs.

Generic Medicines: Generic medicines are unbranded medicines that have

the same efficacy as branded ones but are available at much lower prices.

Product Range: The scheme covers over 2000 products including tablets,
capsules, syrups, creams, and wound care products.
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Affordable medicines & Reliable
implants for treatment
Program -
AMRIT

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accessible at
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affordable
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Tirukkural:

Authorship: The Tirukkural is traditionally attributed to Valluvar, also

known as Thiruvalluvar. However, the exact details about Valluvar's
life remain unknown.

Content: The Tirukkural is divided into three sections - virtue (aram),

wealth (porul), and love (inbam). It covers a wide range of topics
from ethics, cosmic order, society, politics, economics, statecraft,
love, and pleasure.

Influence: The Tirukkural has had a significant influence on scholars

and leaders across various fields over its history. It has been translated
into at least 40 Indian and non-Indian languages, making it one of the
most translated ancient works.
Universality: The Tirukkural is widely acknowledged for its
universality and secular nature. It is considered a
masterpiece and one of the most important texts of Tamil
literature.

Dating: The text has been dated variously from 300 BCE to
5th century CE. The traditional accounts describe it as the
last work of the third Sangam, but linguistic analysis
suggests a later date of 450 to 500 CE.
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