Polymetallic Sulphides ( UPSC Prelims)

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News Context

India entered into a 15-year exploration agreement for polymetallic sulphides (PMS) with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) located at Carlsberg Ridge.

About the contract

• This marks the inaugural license issued worldwide for the exploration of polymetallic sulphur nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge.
    o The Carlsberg Ridge, situated in the Arabian Sea of the northwest Indian Ocean, serves as the dividing line between the Indian and Arabian tectonic plates.
 • Additional Indian Exploration Contracts
    o Polymetallic Nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and PMS in the Indian Ocean Ridge.
      > Polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese nodules, are rock formations composed of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides surrounding a core, such as a shark tooth or shell.
    o Pending approval: Afanasy-Nikitin Sea (ANS) mount
      > The ANS is situated in the Central Indian Ocean, and Sri Lanka has laid claim to the territory for exploration rights.

About Polymetallic sulphides (PMS)

Abundant deposits of metals like copper, zinc, gold, and silver are located on the ocean floor. These deposits form in areas where hot, mineral-rich fluids from the Earth's mantle are released into the ocean, resulting in the formation of metal sulphides.

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

About: An autonomous international organization through which State Parties to UNCLOS organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area for the benefit of humankind.
 Mandate: To ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities.
 Genesis: Established in 1994 under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
 Some recent initiatives:
  ● Deep-Sea Biobank Initiative (DBI) 2025: To establish a global repository enhancing access to deep-sea biological samples and genetic data from international seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction for research and capacity-building.  
  ● AREA2030: For facilitating high resolution mapping of the international seabed area by 2030.  
  ● Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI): Strengthen the scientific foundation for effective protection and management of the deep sea.  
 Members: 171 (Including India).