Syllabus: GS3/Environment; Economy
In News
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) informed Parliament that offshore mining blocks were identified only after excluding all Marine Protected Areas and key biodiversity zones.
Background
- The Centre’s plan to auction 13 offshore mining blocks — including sand off Kerala, lime mud off Gujarat, and polymetallic nodules near Great Nicobar — sparked protests in Kerala, where fishing communities and the state assembly opposed the move, citing threats to marine life and livelihoods.
- The government stated that mining can proceed only with detailed environmental management plans.
| What is Offshore mining? – It is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed, at a depth of more than 200 metres. – In the process, poly-metallic nodules, including precipitated iron oxy-hydroxides and manganese oxides, onto which metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, titanium and rare earth elements gather, are sorted, and unwanted sediments are flushed back into the sea. What are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)? – They are designated ocean regions managed for long-term conservation of marine resources, ecosystem services, and cultural heritage. They restrict or prohibit certain activities to achieve goals like habitat protection, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable fisheries management, though many allow regulated fishing, research, or tourism. |
Offshore Mining in India
- It is aimed at harnessing ocean resources for energy and minerals.
- It focuses on tapping mineral deposits, hydrocarbons, and sand from beneath the seabed to meet industrial and energy needs.
- It is seen as a driver of India’s Blue Economy, contributing to energy security, infrastructure, and technological advancement.
- With rising demand for rare earths and metals, offshore mining strengthens India’s self-reliance in critical sectors.
Issues and Challenges
- Mining activities can disrupt marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal stability.
- Fishing communities worry about reduced livelihoods and displacement due to mining operations.
- Balancing industrial needs with conservation laws and marine protected areas remains complex.
Government Initiatives
- Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore and sustainably harness ocean wealth.
- It includes the Samudrayaan Project with India’s first manned submersible ‘MATSYA 6000’.
- Policy safeguards: Rule 5(2) of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024: Prior consultation with stakeholder Ministries/Departments is mandatory before notifying any offshore area for the grant of operating rights.
- Rule 10(5) and Rule 18(3) of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, mandate that the Successful/Preferred Bidder obtain all consents, approvals, permits, and no-objections required under applicable laws before commencement of production or exploration operations, including those relating to environmental protection.
- Section 16A of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 provides for the establishment of the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust as a non-profit autonomous body.
- The coastal States have been made members of the Governing Body and Executive Committee of the Trust.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- Offshore mining represents both opportunity and risk. While it can boost India’s energy security and industrial growth, unchecked exploitation may harm fragile marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
- There is a need to balance development with sustainability, ensuring that initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission prioritize ecological safeguards alongside economic gains.
Source: TH
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