India's Deep-sea Cobalt Quest: Securing Resources for a Green Future

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--India's pursuit of cobalt-rich resources in the deep sea marks a significant step toward securing critical minerals essential for its burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry, aligned with its ambitious climate goals. As the nation targets achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the demand for cobalt, a vital component in EV batteries, has intensified.

Recently, India applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on January 18, 2024, seeking approval to explore "cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts" located in the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount in the central Indian Ocean. Managed by the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO), a unit of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India, the application covers a substantial area of 3,000 square kilometers. This area is divided into 150 blocks, each not exceeding 20 square kilometers, organized into six clusters.

The Afanasy Nikitin Seamount, situated approximately 1,350 miles east of the Indian coast and near the Maldives, holds promising reserves of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts. India's strategic move underscores its proactive stance in harnessing deep-sea mineral resources to meet domestic demands and reduce dependency on imports.

India's engagement in deep-sea exploration is not new; it currently holds two deep-sea exploration licenses in the Indian Ocean and has applied for two more. This expansion comes amid intensifying global competition among major powers, including Russia and China, to secure critical minerals crucial for high-tech industries.

If approved by the ISA, India's additional licenses would bring its total count to match Russia's and fall just one license short of China's, highlighting its growing influence in the deep-sea mining arena. Securing these resources could potentially bolster India's position in the global EV market and support its transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

In conclusion, India's strategic pursuit of cobalt-rich minerals in the central Indian Ocean underscores its commitment to technological advancement and sustainable development, crucial for achieving its long-term climate objectives and reducing reliance on external mineral sources.

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