India Secures Exclusive Ocean Mining Rights in Carlsberg Ridge for Polymetallic Sulphides

Historic Agreement with International Seabed Authority

India has officially secured exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in a 10,000 square kilometer area within the Carlsberg Ridge of the Indian Ocean. The 15-year contract was signed on September 15, 2025, with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a Jamaica-based autonomous international organization responsible for regulating mineral-related activities in international seabed areas. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced this significant development on September 20, 2025.

This agreement marks a pivotal moment as India becomes the first country globally to hold two PMS exploration contracts with the ISA, reaffirming its status as a 'Pioneer Investor' in seabed resource exploration. India previously held a contract for polymetallic sulphides in the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. With this new allocation, India now possesses the largest exploration area granted for PMS in the international seabed.

Strategic Importance of Polymetallic Sulphides

Polymetallic sulphides are mineral deposits formed by hot hydrothermal fluids emanating from the oceanic crust. These deposits are rich in valuable metals crucial for modern industries, including:

• Iron
• Copper
• Zinc
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum

These metals are essential components for clean energy technologies, electronics, and various high-tech applications, making their exploration strategically vital for India's future economic and technological growth.

The Carlsberg Ridge: A Geologically Significant Zone

The Carlsberg Ridge is a prominent submarine ridge located in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It represents a divergent plate boundary, separating the Indian and Somali tectonic plates. The ridge extends from the triple junction of the African, Indian, and Australian tectonic plates northwest to the Gulf of Aden. This geologically active zone is known for its hydrothermal vents, which are the sites of polymetallic sulphide formation.

Alignment with Deep Ocean Mission and Blue Economy

This new contract is a significant stride towards realizing the objectives of India's ambitious Deep Ocean Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mission focuses on advancing seabed mineral exploration, developing mining technology, and strengthening India's Blue Economy initiatives. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that formalizing these exclusive rights will 'enhance our maritime presence and build national capacity for future resource utilisation.' India's long-standing partnership with the ISA, spanning 30 years, underscores its commitment to the principle of the seabed as the 'common heritage of humankind.' Further highlighting this collaboration, India is set to host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa from September 18–20.