UPSC CSE Prelims
Marine Resources Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 Only

This question tests knowledge about international seabed governance and mineral resources. Statement 1 is incorrect because the International Seabed Authority (ISA), not the Global Ocean Commission, grants licenses for seabed exploration. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as India holds ISA licenses for deep-sea mineral exploration and rare earth minerals are indeed present on the international seabed.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulates seabed mining in international waters, not the Global Ocean Commission, which was a 2013-2016 advisory initiative focused on ocean degradation and high seas governance.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: India has received multiple licenses from the International Seabed Authority for seabed mineral exploration in international waters, including areas in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (since 1987, renewed in 2002 and 2017) and for polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean Ridge (2016).

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Rare earth minerals are found in polymetallic nodules and deep-sea sediments on the ocean floor in international waters, though their commercial extraction remains economically challenging.

📝 Short Notes: International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Deep-Sea Mining

• International Seabed Authority (ISA): Autonomous international organization established under UNCLOS (1994) to regulate mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction (the 'Area').
• Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica; 167 member states and the European Union.
• India's ISA Licenses: Pioneer Investor status (1987) for polymetallic nodules in Central Indian Ocean Basin; renewed licenses in 2002 and 2017; additional license for polymetallic sulphides exploration in Indian Ocean Ridge (2016).
• Deep-Sea Minerals: Include polymetallic nodules (manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper), polymetallic sulphides (copper, zinc, gold, silver), and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts containing rare earth elements.
• Global Ocean Commission: Temporary initiative (2013-2016) led by former heads of state to propose reforms for high seas governance; not a regulatory body.
• India's Deep Ocean Mission: Launched to explore deep-sea resources, develop deep-sea technologies, and enhance understanding of ocean resources including minerals in India's licensed areas.