Posted inCurrent Affairs
India to Apply for Deep-Sea Mineral Exploration Licenses in Pacific Ocean to Secure Critical Resources
India is preparing to apply for exploration licenses from the UN-backed International Seabed Authority (ISA) to access deep-sea minerals in the Pacific Ocean. This initiative aims to secure vital minerals for energy transition technologies, such as those used in electric vehicles and solar panels. While the ISA has issued 31 exploration licenses, including two for India in the Indian Ocean, mining has not yet begun due to ongoing regulatory development. India plans to focus on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, known for its polymetallic nodules, and expects to receive additional permits for the Indian Ocean this year. The exploration permits are valid for 15 years and are crucial for India’s strategy to meet its growing green energy needs.