International Seabed Authority and Deep Sea Mining

GeographyOceanography & Water ResourcesStatement-based● MediumCurrent-affairs-linked

Question

Consider the following statements:

1.
The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2.
India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3.
Rare earth minerals are present on seafloor in international waters.

Options

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because exploration and mining licenses in international waters are granted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an autonomous body under UNCLOS, not by the Global Ocean Commission (which was an international non-governmental initiative). Statement 2 is correct because India was allotted exploration sites in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for polymetallic nodules. Statement 3 is correct because deep-sea nodules and crusts contain rich concentrations of rare earth minerals. > The International Seabed Authority regulates deep-sea mineral rights, under which India holds exploration rights for polymetallic nodules. Answer: (b).