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In the annals of human exploration, the narratives of the space race and the nuclear arms race have long captured our imagination. However, there’s a new contender on the horizon – the deep-sea race. Instead of reaching for the stars or harnessing the power of atoms, nations are now setting their sights on the depths of the ocean, driven by the promise of untold resources lying beneath the waves.
Treasure hunt in the ocean
According to scientists, the ocean floor is a treasure trove waiting to be tapped, with estimates valuing its resources between a staggering eight to 16 trillion dollars. India, too, has joined this burgeoning race, aiming to mine the deep sea for its abundant resources.
But how does one embark on such a venture? The first step is securing permission, a license to explore the seabed, granted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations body responsible for regulating deep-sea mining. India has already obtained two such licenses back in 2016, but it now seeks to expand its reach with two additional licenses.
One of these licenses is designated for exploring the Indian Ocean’s Carlsberg Ridge, while the other aims to investigate a seamount, both potentially rich in valuable minerals. While India awaits approval, its legal team engages with the ISA, demonstrating compliance with regulations.
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Yet, obtaining a license is merely the beginning. The next hurdle is the actual descent to the seabed, a perilous endeavour fraught with challenges unique to the deep sea environment. Unlike space, where the vacuum reigns, the deep sea exerts immense pressure, capable of crushing both vessels and their occupants. Preparation and technological innovation are paramount.
In 2021, India unveiled its Deep Ocean Mission, allocating a substantial budget of $480 million towards this ambitious project. Central to this mission is the development of exploration vehicles like Matsya 6000, a self-propelled marine vessel designed to withstand the crushing depths of 6,000 metres. Scheduled for launch in 2026 under the moniker “Samudrayaan,” this vessel heralds India’s foray into the deep sea domain.
But what awaits explorers beneath the waves? Poly-metallic nodules, potato-sized rocks laden with coveted rare earth metals such as manganese, cobalt, nickel and copper hold the promise of vast riches. India anticipates a potential haul of 380 million tonnes of these nodules, valued at a staggering 110 billion dollars. These minerals are crucial for various industries, from battery manufacturing to renewable energy infrastructure.
Hazards to environment
However, the pursuit of deep-sea mining is not without its detractors. Environmentalists and concerned nations advocate for caution, citing the fragile and poorly understood nature of deep-sea ecosystems. The risks of irreversible damage loom large, prompting calls for a temporary ban on mining until thorough studies are conducted.
Yet, amidst these concerns, geopolitical dynamics come into play. With the United States abstaining from deep-sea mining due to its non-ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, China and Russia have seized the opportunity, securing multiple exploration licenses. India, cognizant of the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, aims to assert its presence through deep-sea mining initiatives.
As international discussions unfold, India finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the allure of economic prosperity with environmental stewardship. The upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority holds the promise of clarity regarding regulations and licensing, shaping the future of deep-sea exploration.
While the deep sea beckons with the promise of boundless resources, it also demands responsible stewardship. India’s pursuit of deep-sea mining underscores the delicate balance between economic development and environmental preservation, as nations navigate uncharted waters in their quest for progress.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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