UPSC Mains Exam : India’s Application to Explore Nikitin Seamount (GS-1 Mains) (Arora IAS)

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.