India has signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (International Seabed Authority, ISA) granting it exclusive exploration rights for polymetallic sulphides in an area of the Indian Ocean. The country becomes the first to hold two such contracts with the ISA. A prior agreement covers the Central Indian Ridge (central Indian Ocean ridge) and the Southwest Indian Ridge (southwest Indian Ocean ridge). According to Indian authorities, the combined scope now represents the largest exploration area for polymetallic sulphides allocated by the ISA.
Dual licence and expanded perimeter
Polymetallic sulphides form around submarine hydrothermal vents and concentrate copper, zinc, gold and silver. These metals are used in energy technologies, electronics and various industrial applications. The contract specifies exclusive exploration rights and does not include commercial exploitation. The ISA regulates mineral exploration and exploitation in international maritime zones beyond national jurisdictions.
The recent agreement adds to the existing framework on the aforementioned ridges, extending India’s exploration coverage in the Indian Ocean. Authorities did not detail the exact surface area allocated, while indicating it is the largest for this type of deposit. No financial data were disclosed on investments linked to this programme. The contract confirms a multi-year work framework with a 15-year horizon.
Opening towards the Pacific
India is also seeking exploration licences in the Pacific Ocean. No timeline or targeted perimeter has been made public. Technical modalities, industrial partners and operational plans have not been specified. India’s Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, said these agreements “will strengthen the country’s maritime and mineral exploration capabilities”.
