India’s Deep-Sea Mining Push: Carlsberg Ridge and Matsya 6000
Why in the news
India is widening its seabed mineral search, with a new zone awaiting approval from the International Seabed Authority.
Key facts
- Carlsberg Ridge: boundary between the Indian and African plates; a fourth zone has also been sought.
- Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount: volcanic region, high cobalt and nickel potential.
- Hydrothermal vents: 3,000-6,000 m deep, plumes with cobalt, manganese, copper, zinc, gold, silver and rare earths.
- Imports: India buys many of these metals from China, the UK and Norway.
Existing licences
| Area | Period | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Central Indian Ocean Basin | 2002-2027 | Polymetallic nodules |
| Rodriguez Triple Junction | 2016-2031 | Polymetallic sulphides |
Milestones
- Matsya 6000 integration and test dives in 2025; the US, Russia, France, Japan and China also have manned submersibles.
- A seabed mining system was tested at 1,200 m in the Andaman Sea.
- NCPOR filmed an active vent at 3,000 m using an AUV in early 2024.
- A ₹900 crore indigenous research vessel is planned; nine new marine species were found.
Concerns
- Earth Sciences got ₹3,649.8 crore in the 2025-26 Budget versus ₹13,416.2 crore for ISRO.
- Scientists still aim to match China within a decade.
Significance
- Backs the Blue Economy, technological self-reliance and clean energy security.
Exam angle
- Licensing body: ISA.
- Programme: Deep Ocean Mission.