Archive · 21 Sep 2025
India Gains Deep-Sea Rights to Explore Polymetallic Sulphides
India has secured the right to explore the deep sea for valuable metals.
These metals, including copper, zinc, silver, and gold, are found in deposits called polymetallic sulphides (PMS).
The exploration will take place in the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean.
India signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for a 10,000 sq km area.
This move supports India's aim to enhance its resource security and reduce reliance on other countries for key materials needed for modern technologies.
India already has rights to explore polymetallic nodules.
India signed a 15-year contract to explore for polymetallic sulphides.
The contract covers a 10,000 sq km area on the Carlsberg Ridge.
The explored area is in the Indian Ocean.
Polymetallic sulphides contain copper, zinc, silver, and gold.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences will lead the exploration.
- Who
- India and the International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- What
- Signed a contract for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides
- When
- Announced on Saturday
- Where
- Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean
- Why
- To secure strategic mineral resources for technologies like renewable energy and electric vehicles
- Exploration Rights
- Exclusive
- Resource
- Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)
- Location
- Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean
- Contract Duration
- 15 years
- Exploration Area
- 10,000 sq km
- Minerals
- Copper, zinc, silver, gold
- Lead Agency
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
Sources
India gets exclusive right to explore Polymetallic Sulphides in Indian Ocean: Jitendra Singh
India inks deep sea exploration contract with International Seabed Authority
India secures rights to explore seabed for precious metals in Indian Ocean: Jitendra Singh
