India brings industry into deep-sea critical-minerals planning
The consultation separates exploration and engineering capability from commercial mining, for which international rules are not yet complete.
The Earth Sciences Ministry and National Institute of Ocean Technology have convened an industry workshop on deep-sea mining with EY and NITI Aayog.
India holds an International Seabed Authority exploration contract covering 75,000 square kilometres in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. The ministry estimates that area contains 366 to 380 million tonnes of polymetallic nodules. Under the Rs 4,077 crore Deep Ocean Mission, NIOT says it has demonstrated a mining crawler below 5,000 metres. A white paper and further policy work are planned.
Why it matters
Nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese are important inputs for batteries, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Seabed extraction also raises significant environmental and governance questions.
SCULTRA point of view
Engineering capability, resource estimation, commercial viability and environmental acceptability are separate tests. Each requires its own transparent evidence before a development decision can be justified.
Limitations
Commercial mining in international waters cannot begin until the International Seabed Authority issues an exploitation code. Resource estimates are not recoverable reserves, while ecological effects and economics remain unresolved.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Earth Sciences, 8 September 2026.