On 18 January 2024, the Government of India submitted two applications to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for approval of two plans of work for exploration in the Area. Both applications concern the Central Indian Ocean, (1) exploration for polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge and (2) exploration for cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts of the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount, respectively. The applications will be considered by the ISA Legal and Technical Commission (March 2024), with recommendations submitted to the ISA Council which has competence to approve plans of work for exploration in the Area.
The Government of India holds two existing exploration contracts, one for polymetallic nodules (twice extended) and one for polymetallic sulphides respectively. To-date, the ISA has entered into 31 exploration contracts, with 30 in effect (Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais S.A. renounced its contractual rights on 28 December 2021).
De Maribus 