Image Source: Mint
India has embarked on a pioneering mission to explore the Indian Ocean seabed for critical minerals essential to its clean energy transition, technological innovation, and economic security. This strategic venture, championed by the Ministry of Mines and supported by advanced scientific agencies like the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), is a key pillar of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) initiated by the Modi administration. By tapping vast undersea mineral resources, India aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and position itself as a global player in critical mineral supply chains crucial for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing.
Key Highlights: Unveiling India’s Offshore Critical Mineral Strategy
India holds exclusive exploration rights as the sole contractor in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB), managing a polymetallic nodule licence over an extensive 75,000 square kilometers, located at depths ranging from 4,800 to 5,800 meters. The seabed nodules are rich in nickel, copper, cobalt, and notably manganese, which are integral to battery technology, stainless steel production, and renewable energy systems.
The National Institute of Ocean Technology has carried out comprehensive geophysical surveys exceeding 10,000 line-kilometers and sampled over 1,200 sites since 2019, establishing a detailed environmental and resource baseline. This research underpins India’s capability to sustainably extract these metals while managing ecological considerations.
In 2024, NIOT successfully tested a 17-tonne deep-sea mining collector prototype and validated metallurgical processes achieving 92% nickel recovery from nodules, signaling technological readiness for scalable extraction and refining.
Complementing seabed exploration, India is also preparing to explore seafloor massive sulphides on the neighboring Central Indian Ridge, targeting additional metals critical to energy and defense industries.
Policy and Mission Framework Driving the Initiative
Launched in early 2025, the National Critical Mineral Mission coordinates efforts to secure supply chains for 30 identified strategic minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, vital for India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 and to “Make in India” goals.
The Ministry of Mines authorized a Rs 16,300 crore (approximately $1.87 billion) fund to bolster exploration, development, and technological innovation across mineral sectors, including cutting-edge AI geological modeling for domestic reserves and deep-sea mining ventures.
A fast-track regulatory system and exploration licenses aim to stimulate private sector participation, inviting conglomerates such as Tata Group and Vedanta to invest in both terrestrial and offshore mineral projects.
The mission also emphasizes sustainable practices, committing to Indian Ocean Regional Environmental Management Plans (expected by 2026), including sediment plume modeling and benthic biodiversity preservation aligned with International Seabed Authority protocols.
Economic and Strategic Importance
Critical minerals extracted from the Indian Ocean seabed could substantially reduce India’s reliance on imports, currently significant for lithium and cobalt, which are core to battery production and electric mobility.
Offshore mining complements terrestrial exploration efforts boosting domestic supply for a rapidly growing clean energy equipment manufacturing sector.
By developing vertically integrated mining and processing capabilities, India aims to create high-value jobs, regional industrial hubs, and enhanced export potential in mineral commodities and advanced materials.
This initiative also carries geopolitical significance, countering global supply risks and enhancing India’s influence in the evolving global governance of seabed resources.
Challenges and Community Engagement
The project faces environmental, technical, and social challenges. While marine environmental activists and local fishing communities express concerns over potential ecological and livelihood impacts, authorities stress adherence to robust environmental standards and stakeholder consultations.
Extensive research into baseline ocean health and impact mitigation is ongoing, with NIOT committed to transparency and compliance with international environmental safeguards.
The timeline for commercial mining remains long-term, with benefits expected to materialize over 15 to 20 years, ensuring careful, phased development.
International Collaboration and Future Prospects
India is actively building strategic partnerships for overseas critical mineral exploration, evident from lithium projects in Argentina and MoUs with Australia.
The establishment of Centers of Excellence and R&D clusters focuses on advancing technologies for mineral extraction, processing, recycling, and circular economy models.
Upcoming auctions of deep-sea mineral blocks near Gujarat, Kerala, and Great Nicobar are intended to boost private investment and exploration.
Expansion of digital mapping, remote sensing, and AI-driven exploration will accelerate discovery of new reserves and improve resource efficiency.
Conclusion
India’s decision to aggressively explore the Indian Ocean for critical minerals signifies a visionary leap toward securing a sustainable, sovereign resource base fundamental to its clean energy future and industrial transformation. This multifaceted mission embodies technical innovation, regulatory modernization, environmental responsibility, and economic strategy designed to elevate India as a global critical mineral hub. While mindful of ecological and social dimensions, the initiative underscores a long-term commitment to resilient, green growth and energy security amid dynamic global resource geopolitics.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Mining Technology, Reuters
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