What is a Polymetallic Nodule?:

• Polymetallic nodules are rock-like formations found on the ocean floor, particularly in deep-sea regions like the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean.
• They are composed mainly of manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, along with trace amounts of rare earth elements. These nodules form over millions of years from the gradual accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater.

Significance of Polymetallic Nodules for India:

• Strategic
  • Secures critical mineral supply chains (Ni, Co, Cu) for energy transition & national security.
  • Enhances India’s strategic autonomy in mineral resources.
• Economic:
  • Boosts blue economy prospects and indigenous technology development.
  • Stimulates deep-sea robotics, subsea engineering, and metallurgical industries.
• Geopolitical
  • Strengthens India’s influence in International Seabed Authority (ISA) decision-making.
  • Consolidates India’s role in Indian Ocean geopolitics.
• Scientific
  • Advances oceanographic research, AUV/ROV tech, and climate baseline studies.
  • Contributes to global understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

Challenges for Exploration

• Technological
  • Ultra-deep mining (6,000 m) faces extreme pressure & engineering complexity.
  • Collector, riser-lift, and processing systems not yet proven commercially.
• Environmental
  • Disturbance of benthic ecosystems; sediment plumes can spread far and affect biodiversity.
  • Recovery of ecosystems may take decades–centuries.
• Economic
  • High costs of technology vs. uncertain global metal prices.
  • Terrestrial mining & battery recycling may reduce competitiveness.
  • Metallurgical processing remains energy-intensive.

Legal & Institutional Framework

• International
  • UNCLOS (1982): Declares seabed beyond national jurisdiction as “common heritage of mankind”.
  • International Seabed Authority (ISA): Regulates mineral exploration & mining in “the Area.”
• Indian Initiatives:
  • Deep Ocean Mission (DOM): Implements technology for exploration & future mining.
  • Draft Deep Sea Mining Policy (MoES): Under preparation to align domestic law with UNCLOS/ISA rules.