UPSC Prelims 2021 Q56: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Seabed Mining in International Waters
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global Ocean Commission grants seabed mining licences | FALSE | The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under UNCLOS 1982, is the body that regulates seabed exploration and mining in the international seabed area ('The Area'). The Global Ocean Commission is a defunct high-level independent commission (2013-16) focused on ocean policy advocacy, NOT licensing. |
| 2 | India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration | TRUE | India has received TWO exploration contracts from ISA: (i) Polymetallic nodules in Central Indian Ocean Basin (2002, renewed); (ii) Polymetallic sulphides in Central Indian Ridge and South West Indian Ridge (2016). India is a Pioneer Investor. |
| 3 | Rare earth minerals present on seafloor in international waters | TRUE | The deep seafloor holds polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, cobalt-rich crusts containing manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper AND rare earth elements (REEs). Japan discovered massive REE deposits near Minamitorishima Island (2018). |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Answer: (b).
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Global Ocean Commission does NOT grant seabed licences - that is ISA's role.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 2 (India has ISA exploration licences for polymetallic nodules and sulphides) and 3 (rare earths present in seafloor deposits) are true. Statement 1 wrongly attributes licensing to Global Ocean Commission instead of ISA.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is factually wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong - ISA is the licensing body, not Global Ocean Commission.
Key point
International Seabed Authority (ISA, UNCLOS 1982) = grants seabed exploration/mining licences in international waters (NOT Global Ocean Commission). India has 2 ISA contracts (polymetallic nodules 2002, sulphides 2016). Deep seafloor has REEs, cobalt, nickel, manganese.
Remember
India has received licences from the International Seabed Authority (ISA, not Global Ocean Commission) for seabed mineral exploration - polymetallic nodules (2002) and polymetallic sulphides (2016) (statement 2 correct). Rare earth minerals are indeed present on the seafloor in international waters (statement 3 correct). Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Common mistakes
- Confusing International Seabed Authority (ISA, regulatory, UNCLOS) with Global Ocean Commission (advocacy, defunct 2016).
- Not knowing India was designated 'Pioneer Investor' by ISA in 1987 - one of first countries with seabed rights.
- Missing that India's Deep Ocean Mission (2021, ~Rs 4000 cr) targets these mineral resources - polymetallic nodules and hydrothermal sulphides.
Exam tip
Seabed governance: UNCLOS 1982 - International Seabed Authority (ISA, Jamaica) - grants exploration contracts - India has 2 (2002 nodules, 2016 sulphides). Deep Ocean Mission 2021 = India's flagship for deep-sea minerals + Samudrayaan submersible.
Sources
- International Seabed Authority - Exploration Contracts List
- Ministry of Earth Sciences - Deep Ocean Mission (2021)