Opportunities for offshore mineral exploration in the Indian Ocean

Abstract

The Indian Ocean offers several opportunities for offshore mineral resources in the nearshore and coastal areas, the EEZs of different countries as well as the deep sea regions. The coastal and nearshore resources of heavy mineral placers are being successfully mined in some of the conuntries around the Indian Ocean, and ample opportunity lies in exploring for these resources in the hitherto unexplored areas, to build up the reserves for the future. Simultaneously, activities in the deep sea areas for polymetallic nodules, crusts and sulfides need acceleration owing to their potential for strategic metals, such as cobalt, nickel, lead and zinc. These efforts call for cooperation and sharing of facilities, infrastructure, know-how and expertise, among the national as well as international agencies for exploration, mining, impact assessment and metallurgical process development. With its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, India could also play a major role in assisting the other countries in developing their offshore mineral resources.