India has secured a contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean.
This exploration is part of India's Deep Ocean Mission and aims to secure resources for clean energy and technology. The country already holds a similar contract for exploration in the Central Indian Ridge. 
 
India's mineral exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge

• Contract with ISA: India signed a 15-year agreement with the ISA to explore for PMS in the Carlsberg Ridge.
• Polymetallic sulphides (PMS): These mineral deposits are formed near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor and contain commercially valuable metals.
• Minerals: The deposits are rich in metals such as copper, zinc, gold, and silver.
• Strategic value: The exploration has strategic importance for India's resource security and its growing "blue economy".
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): The Goa-based NCPOR will carry out the exploration, beginning with geophysical and hydrographic surveys in 2026.
• First country with two contracts: With this new contract, India is the first country to hold two ISA contracts for PMS exploration, commanding the largest seabed area allocated for this purpose. 

Significance of the Carlsberg Ridge

• Geological feature: The Carlsberg Ridge is a segment of the mid-ocean ridge system, marking a tectonic plate boundary between the Indian and Somali plates.
• Proximity to India: Its location in the north-western Indian Ocean, closer to India than the previous exploration site, enhances its strategic value.
• Mineral potential: The ridge hosts hydrothermal vent systems, which are potential hotspots for PMS deposits. 

Environmental considerations

Calls for pause on seabed mining: The decision to explore the Carlsberg Ridge is part of a broader, and controversial, trend toward deep-sea mining. Some scientists have called for a pause on such activities, citing concerns about potential irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
India's stance: India has committed to conducting the exploration responsibly, ensuring a balance between resource extraction and environmental protection. 

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