Significance of Deep Ocean Mission The Deep Ocean Mission pla | MCQs For UPSC ☑

Significance of Deep Ocean Mission

The Deep Ocean Mission plan will enable India to develop capabilities to exploit resources in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB).

One of the major objectives of this project is to mine and extract polymetallic nodules (PMN). The UN International SeaBed Authority has allotted India 75000 sq. kilometers in CIOB for the exploration of these polymetallic nodules.

What are Polymetallic Nodules (PMN)?

Polymetallic nodules are Fe-Mn oxide deposits
They are potato shaped and porous
Appearance wise, they are of a black earthy color
Size ranges from 2 to 10 cm in diameter
PMN is considered as the precipitate of hot fluids from upwelling hot magma from the deep interior of the oceanic crust, discharged through mineralized paths
These Rare earth minerals are considered as a great source of valuable minerals such as gold, silver, and zinc

Where can PMN be mined?

There are specific locations underwater where the mining of polymetallic nodules can be done. Any country which intends to mine PMN needs to get authorization from ISA, which was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)