The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has recently given its approval for signing of 15 years contract by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for undertaking exploration and other developmental activities related to Poly-metallic Sulphides in the allotted area of 10,000 sq km. It will be done in parts of Central and South – West Indian Ridges (SWIR), located in the Indian Ocean.
India’s exclusive rights for exploration of Poly metallic Sulphides in the allotted Area in the Central Indian Ridge, and South West Indian Ridge in Indian Ocean will be formalized, after signing the 15 year contract. It will enhance India’s presence in the Indian Ocean where other players like China, Korea and Germany are active. The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the participation from various national institutes and research laboratories/ organisations.
Deep seabed Poly-Metallic Sulphides (PMS) containing iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum in variable constitutions are precipitates of hot fluids from upwelling hot magma from deep interior of the oceanic crust discharged through mineralized chimneys.