What is Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS): ISA

Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS): ISA

Why in News? India has signed a landmark contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exclusive rights to explore Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge region of the Indian Ocean.

• With this, India becomes the first country in the world to hold two ISA contracts for PMS exploration.
• India now commands the largest area allocated internationally for PMS exploration, marking a major scientific and strategic milestone.

 Key Highlights

• Latest Contract (2025):

• • Area allotted: 10,000 sq. km in the Carlsberg Ridge.
  • Exploration to begin in 2026 by Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
  • Initial phase: Geophysical and hydrographic surveys.

• Earlier Contract (2016):

• • Regions: Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge.
  • India has been conducting exploratory surveys here since 2016.

 Strategic Advantage:

• • Carlsberg Ridge is geographically closer to India (~2°N latitude) than earlier exploration sites (~26°S).
  • Ensures quicker access and operational efficiency.

What are Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)?

• PMS are mineral-rich deposits found on the ocean floor near hydrothermal vents.
• Composition: Copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, and trace amounts of rare and precious elements.
• Importance for India:

• • Domestic land resources for these critical metals are limited.
  • Essential for high-technology industries, renewable energy systems, and green technologies.
  • Reduces import dependency and strengthens resource security.

NCPOR’s Three-Phased Exploration Plan:

Phase I:

• Reconnaissance surveys using ship-mounted tools to identify potential PMS locations.

Phase II:

• Near-seabed surveys using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
• Confirm PMS presence and map deposits.

Phase III:

• Resource evaluation of identified PMS deposits.

Carlsberg Ridge – Geological Significance:

• Formation: Result of seafloor spreading between the Indian Plate and Somali Plate.
• Age: Opening began ~40 million years ago.
• Spreading Rate: 2.4–3.3 cm/year.

Features:

• • Rough, complex terrain.
  • Median valley typical of slow-spreading ridges.

• Known for hydrothermal vent systems, making it ideal for PMS deposits.

 Challenges in PMS Exploration:

• Greater technical difficulty compared to other deep-sea minerals:

• • Depth: 2,000–5,000 meters below sea level.
  • Terrain: Hard, uneven, and rocky.
  • Remote locations require specialised deep-sea vessels with dynamic positioning.

• Requires multidisciplinary expertise:

• • Marine geology, geophysics, oceanography, biology, and deep-sea technology.

Advanced tools:

• • Ship-mounted geophysical systems, AUVs, ROVs, and high-precision navigation systems.

Role of ISA in Site Allocation:

ISA (International Seabed Authority):

• • Autonomous body under UNCLOS framework.
  • Regulates exploration and sustainable use of deep-sea mineral resources.

Process for Allocation:

Country submits an application with:

• • • Work plan.
    • Environmental baseline studies.
    • Financial and technical details.

• Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) reviews the application.
• If compliant, ISA Council approves the allocation.

Future Plans – India’s Blue Economy Drive:

• India is actively pursuing additional deep-sea exploration projects.
• Upcoming focus area:

• Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts at Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount in the Central Indian Ocean.
• Application is currently under ISA review.

 Significance for India:

• Strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.
• Boosts the Deep Ocean Mission and Samudrayaan project, including the development of Matsya, India’s deep-sea manned submersible.
• Reduces reliance on imported strategic minerals, enhancing self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Advances India’s Blue Economy goals while ensuring sustainable ocean resource management.