India’s Application to Explore Nikitin Seamount (GS-1 Mains)
Question : “Discuss India’s application to explore the Nikitin Seamount and the associated concerns and benefits.
Context
- India applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights in the Indian Ocean seabed outside its jurisdiction.
About Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount)
- Location: Central Indian Ocean, 3,000 km from India’s coast
- Size: 400 km long, 150 km wide
- Depth: Rises from 4,800 km to 1,200 meters
- Resources: Rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper (established by surveys)
Reasons for India’s Application
- Potential of Indian Ocean:Vast potential for mineral reserves motivates India to explore the seabed.
- Increasing Need for Critical Minerals:
- World Bank projects a fivefold increase in critical mineral extraction by 2050 for clean energy technologies.
- India’s renewable energy targets require securing critical minerals.
- Geopolitical Concerns:China’s dominance in processing critical minerals raises concerns.
Extraction from Open Seas
- Open seas (air, surface, and seabed) are not under any country’s sovereignty (60% of the world’s seas).
- Extraction is challenging and expensive despite potential mineral wealth.
- Countries need an exploration license from ISBA before extraction.
- No commercial extraction has occurred in open oceans yet.
Benefit for India
- Resource Potential: Nikitin Seamount offers valuable mineral resources, including polymetallic nodules rich in metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, which are crucial for India’s industrial growth.
- Strategic Access: Control over this seamount provides India strategic access to these resources, reducing dependency on imports.
- Economic Opportunities: Exploiting its resources can boost India’s economy through mining ventures.
- Technological Advancement: Exploration and extraction activities promote technological innovation, enhancing India’s capabilities in deep-sea mining.
- Environmental Conservation: Responsible exploitation can pave the way for sustainable development, aligning with India’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Concern for india
- Environmental Impact: Deep-sea mining at Nikitin Seamount may disrupt fragile marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and fisheries crucial for India’s coastal communities.
- Legal and Regulatory Challenges: India faces complexities in navigating international laws and regulations governing deep-sea mining in the region.
- Geopolitical Competition: Increased interest from other nations raises concerns about access and control over valuable resources.
- Economic Risks: Investments in deep-sea mining ventures entail financial uncertainties and potential resource depletion.
- Ethical Considerations: Balancing resource extraction with environmental conservation raises ethical dilemmas for India’s sustainable development goals.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- Established by UNCLOS to regulate exploration and exploitation of non-living marine resources in international waters.
- Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica.
- 169 Members (including EU).
- Manages exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in international seabed areas.
Rights over Continental Shelf
- India claims its continental shelf extends up to 350 nautical miles (not yet awarded).
- Countries can claim continental shelf based on scientific evidence of a natural land extension.
- Approved claims grant primacy to explore and exploit resources in the region.
- Continental shelf claims typically don’t extend beyond 350 nautical miles.
India’s Maritime Zone
- Coastline: 7,517 km (including islands)
- Territorial Waters (up to 12 nautical miles): Full sovereignty over coastal areas and ports.
- Contiguous Zone (12 additional nautical miles): Allows actions against violations of specific laws.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (up to 200 nautical miles): Exclusive rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage resources (fisheries, hydrocarbons).
- High Seas (beyond EEZ): Open to any country seeking exploration permission from ISBA.