Deep-Sea Mineral Exploration: Balancing Strategic Resource Security with Ecological Integrity

The Ministry of Mines has recently notified two offshore mineral blocks in the vicinity of the Great Nicobar Island for the grant of composite licences. This policy move is aimed at facilitating the exploration of polymetallic nodules and crusts, which are rich in critical minerals essential for high-tech industries, renewable energy storage, and defense applications. By venturing into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), India seeks to reduce its import dependency on critical minerals, thereby bolstering its strategic autonomy and advancing the 'Blue Economy' agenda. Polymetallic nodules, often found on the seabed, contain significant concentrations of manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper. As the global transition toward green energy accelerates, the demand for these minerals has surged, making deep-ocean mining a focal point of national resource policy. However, this initiative is not without significant challenges. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to fragile ecosystems, unique biodiversity, and indigenous communities. Critics and environmentalists have raised concerns regarding the potential for irreversible damage to marine habitats, sediment plumes, and the disruption of benthic life forms during the exploration and potential extraction phases.