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 the seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Global Ocean Commission (GOC) does not grant licenses for seabed mining. The Inter-national Seabed Authority (ISA) established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is responsible for granting licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
Statement 2 is correct: India has been granted licenses by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. India has received a contract to explore polymetallic sulfides in the Indian Ocean Ridge. The Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) are leading the project.
Statement 3 is correct: Rare earth elements (REEs) are found in deep-sea sediments, polymetallic nodules, and hydrothermal vents in international waters. These include elements like neo-dymium, yttrium, and dysprosium, which are essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries.