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.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

APEDIA

UPSC Prelims

2021 • 10 Oct, 2021 • Paper-1

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.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Answer

2 and 3 only

Regulatory Authority: The mandate to regulate, govern, and issue exploration and mining licenses for the deep seabed in international waters (the 'Area') lies e......

💡 Analysis & Explanation

Regulatory Authority ▼

The mandate to regulate, govern, and issue exploration and mining licenses for the deep seabed in international waters (the 'Area') lies exclusively with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) under the UNCLOS framework, not the Global Ocean Commission. Thus, statement 1 is false.

India's Standing ▼

India is an active participant in deep-sea exploration and has been officially granted licenses by the ISA to explore Polymetallic Nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, and subsequently for polymetallic sulphides. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Resource Availability ▼

The deep ocean floor is famously rich in polymetallic nodules and crusts that contain vast, untapped reserves of valuable strategic resources, including cobalt, nickel, and critically, rare earth minerals. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

Conclusion ▼

Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate regarding seabed mining.

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