Jai Siya Ram

What is it / What’s being planned

1. Samudrayaan / Deep Ocean Mission
   • India’s project to explore and exploit deep-sea mineral resources is part of its Deep Ocean Mission. The mission includes Samudrayaan, which is a manned deep-sea submersible to go down to ~6,000 metres.
   • The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the main implementing agency.
2. Resources & Location
   • India has been allocated a 75,000 sq. km area in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration.
   • Within this area, preliminary estimates suggest ~380 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules (which contain copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese etc.).
   • These resources are valued at roughly US$110 billion based on current mining, materials, and metals market estimates.
3. Why this is seen as strategic/important
   • India is heavily import-dependent for many of these critical minerals (used for batteries, electronics, green energy etc.). Access to domestic / under-Indian-control deep-sea reserves could reduce import dependency.
   • The mission is also seen as part of India’s “blue economy” push — ocean science, marine biodiversity, sustainable use of ocean resources, possibly ocean-based climate change research etc.
4. Key Projects & Capabilities
   • Manned submersible “Matsya” (or “Matsya 6000”) that can take 3 scientists + equipment down to 6,000 m depth. Plans include trials in shallower waters first.
   • Offshore / seabed auctions of mineral blocks: India has offered 13 blocks for deep-sea exploration in areas like the Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea, including polymetallic nodules, lime mud, construction sand.
   • India is seeking technical partnerships — e.g., from the Netherlands (Royal IHC) for expertise in seabed mining.
5. Budget & Timeline
   • The Deep Ocean Mission was allocated some budget in recent Indian budgets (several thousand crores of rupees over years).
   • Samudrayaan is expected to have its 500-m depth trial by the end of 2025; full 6,000-m dives planned by around end of 2026.
   • Auction deadlines for blocks have been extended in several cases to allow more participation.

Challenges & Risks

• Environmental concerns: Deep-sea ecosystems are poorly understood, fragile, and disturbance (sediment plumes, pressure changes, impact on marine life) could be significant.
• Technical challenges: Mining at 6,000 m depth is hard: extreme pressure, cold, remote operations, need for specialized submersibles, robotics, maintenance etc. India’s indigenous capabilities are improving but still developing.
• Regulatory & legal framework: International Seabed Authority (ISA) rules, environmental norms, licensing, extraction permits etc. India will need to ensure compliance with international and domestic law.
• Economic viability: Mining, extraction, transport of minerals from seabed, processing, all cost a lot; the value of minerals depends on market prices, demand, logistics etc.
• Local / stakeholder opposition: Fisherfolk, coastal state governments (e.g. Kerala) have raised concerns over environmental impact and livelihoods.

What Could Be Unlocked / Potential Impacts

• Supply security for strategic minerals, especially for green tech and battery sector (nickel, cobalt etc.).
• Cost savings in imports if India can use its own reserves.
• Boost to research & innovation, especially marine robotics, underwater technology, oceanography.
• New jobs in high-tech sectors, marine engineering, mining, environment sciences.
• Blue economy growth — not just mining but related sectors (sea-based energy, ocean observation, possibly tourism etc.).

What to Watch Next

• Progress of Samudrayaan submersible trials (500 m depth, then 6,000 m).
• Outcomes of the auctions of mineral blocks: who wins, what terms, environmental safeguards etc.
• Rules or regulation by ISA regarding commercial exploitation codes (once India surpasses exploration phase).
• Partnerships with foreign firms/institutes for technical support and investment.
• Domestic policy: amendments to mining/sea/ocean laws, state-level environment clearances, stakeholder consultations.