Introduction
Marine mineral resources encompass valuable underwater deposits such as polymetallic nodules and hydrocarbons. These resources, found beneath the ocean’s surface, encompass valuable minerals like polymetallic nodules, hydrocarbons, and rare earth elements.
Body:
Marine mineral resources of India:
| Marine Mineral Resources | Types | Key Metals |
| Polymetallic Nodules | Small rounded lumps on the seabed | Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Manganese |
| Cobalt-Rich Ferromanganese Crusts | Hard coatings on underwater elevation | Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Rare-Earths |
| Hydrothermal Sulfides | Deposits around hydrothermal vents | Copper, Zinc, Gold |
Importance of Marine Mineral Resources in India:
- Resource Security: Utilizing marine resources, including significant amounts of manganese (55.4 million tons), nickel (13.8 million tons), cobalt (0.59 million tons), and rare earth elements, helps reduce reliance on volatile global markets, ensuring stability and enhancing security.
- Economic Growth: Extracting marine minerals could contribute to a 2.5% increase in GDP, generating 6,000-10,000 jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting infrastructure development through mining revenue.
- Energy Independence: India’s substantial reserves of methane hydrates (4.7 trillion cubic meters) in marine resources reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, aligning with sustainable energy goals.
- Technological Advancement: With an estimated 11.93 million tons of rare-earth resources, India drives innovation in electronics, renewables, and electric vehicles, promoting self-reliance.
Challenges in Exploration and Utilization:
The exploration and utilization of marine mineral resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) face several challenges:
- Technological Complexity: Coastal states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh require advanced technologies due to significant coastlines. For instance, Tamil Nadu’s NIOT develops ROVs and AUVs for navigating harsh deep-sea conditions.
- Environmental Impact: States like Kerala and Goa emphasize eco-friendly practices, designating coastal zones as ecologically sensitive to address concerns about fragile ecosystems along the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea.
- Legal Frameworks: Gujarat’s maritime industry recognizes the complexities of international maritime law. Understanding legal intricacies is crucial for effective resource management in its strategic location with high maritime activities.
- Infrastructure and Logistics: States like Odisha, with extensive Bay of Bengal coastlines, face challenges in establishing offshore mining infrastructure. Developing transportation and processing facilities in deep-sea areas requires meticulous planning.
Initiatives Taken by India:
- National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019: Encourages sustainable practices, economic growth, and environmental protection, aiming for a sector contribution of 1.5% to GDP by 2030.
- Deep Ocean Mission: A ₹4,077 crore initiative exploring deep-sea mineral resources, fostering technology, and ensuring sustainable resource management.
- National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT): Focuses on technology for marine exploration, research, and innovation, enabling responsible mineral resource utilization.
- Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act 2020: Enhances transparency, attracts investment, and promotes sustainable practices in marine resource extraction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, India’s marine mineral resources represent a significant economic and strategic asset. The country stands at a pivotal moment, ready to unlock the potential of its marine mineral resources for the benefit of its economy and sustainable development.
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