Exploration inputs for exploitation of manganese nodules in Central Indian Basin

Abstract

Large reserves of manganese nodules have been indentified in the Central Indian Basin, as a result of extensive exploration comprising more than 2000 shipdays, 7 research vessels, 9000 samples, 400,000 km of narrowbeam echosounding, 300,000 sq km of multibeam sounding, over 50,000 photographs, 450 hours of vedio data and 1130 km of deeptowed SBP and SSS data. Spatial variation of nodule abundance and grade, their inter-relationship with one another, as well as the bathymetry of the seabed were the prime consideraions for selection of the 'Pioneer Area' of 150,000 sq km, which was allocated to India in 1987. An environmental impact assessment experiment has also been initiated to evaluate the possible effects of mining activity on the deepsea environment