Q. Consider the following statements:
1.The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2.India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3.‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 oanly
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
Seabed Exploration and Mining Licences
The Global Ocean Commission does not grant licences for seabed exploration and mining. Instead, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is the responsible authority. The ISA manages the mineral resources of the international seabed area and grants licences for exploration and potential future mining.
India’s Role in Seabed Mineral Exploration
India has been granted licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. As an active participant in deep-sea exploration, India has secured rights to explore for various minerals, including polymetallic nodules rich in metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese, as well as hydrothermal sulphides.
Presence of Rare Earth Minerals on the Seafloor
The seafloor in international waters is home to rare earth minerals, a crucial group of 17 elements used in high-tech industries. These minerals are found in forms such as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and ferromanganese crusts, and are essential for modern technologies, attracting exploration interest from various countries and companies.
In conclusion, the correct statements regarding seabed exploration and mining are that India has received licences for mineral exploration and that rare earth minerals are present on the seafloor in international waters, making statements 2 and 3 correct.