Polymetallic Nodules and Dark Oxygen Discovery

(General Studies III – Science and Technology Section – Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.)

• As the world’s demand for minerals continues to grow, attention has turned to the vast resources hidden beneath the waves.
• Deep-sea mining, particularly the extraction of polymetallic nodules, has emerged as a promising frontier for resource acquisition. However, this pursuit is not without controversy and scientific intrigue.
• Recent discoveries, such as the presence of ‘dark oxygen’ in the abyssal depths, have added new layers of complexity to the debate surrounding deep-sea mining.

What are Polymetallic Nodules?

• Polymetallic nodules are lumps of minerals found on the ocean floor, primarily composed of:
• Iron
• Manganese hydroxides
• Rock
• These nodules are partially submerged in many parts of the ocean floor and are considered economically viable for mining when their concentration exceeds 10 kg per square meter.

Regulation of Deep-Sea Mining –

1. International Seabed Authority (ISA):
2. The primary regulator for deep-sea mining activities
3. Has established 15-year contracts with at least 22 contractors for exploration
4. Contracts cover:
5. Polymetallic nodules
6. Polymetallic sulphides
7. Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts

India’s Stake in Deep-Sea Mining –

1. Exploration Plans:
2. India is planning to apply for licenses to explore deep-sea minerals in the Pacific Ocean
3. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is building a submersible vehicle for exploration and mining in the Indian Ocean
4. Deep Ocean Mission:
5. Part of India’s efforts to explore and exploit deep-sea resources
6. ISA Contract:
7. The Government of India is one of the contractors with the International Seabed Authority

The Discovery of ‘Dark Oxygen’ and Its Relevance –

1. The Discovery:
2. Scientists found an unknown process producing oxygen in the deep ocean, where photosynthesis is impossible
3. This ‘dark oxygen’ was observed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone at depths of 4 km
4. Potential Source:
5. Polymetallic nodules may be transporting electric charges that split water molecules, releasing oxygen
6. Implications for Deep-Sea Mining:
7. Raises questions about how mining activities might affect newly discovered deep-sea ecosystems
8. Highlights the potential for unknown ecological processes in deep-sea environments

Way Forward –

1. Environmental Impact Assessment:
2. More comprehensive studies are needed to understand the full impact of deep-sea mining on marine ecosystems
3. Long-term effects of disturbances, as shown by the DISCOL Experiment, need to be considered
4. Sustainable Mining Practices:
5. Development of mining techniques that minimize damage to deep-sea ecosystems
6. Consideration of ‘dark oxygen’ production in environmental impact assessments
7. Regulatory Framework:
8. Potential need for updated regulations that take into account new discoveries like ‘dark oxygen’
9. Economic Considerations:
10. Some insurance companies are already excluding deep-sea mining from their portfolios
11. Balancing economic benefits with environmental protection
12. Further Research:
13. More studies on deep-sea ecosystems and their role in global climate processes
14. Investigation into the long-term sustainability of deep-sea mining

The pursuit of deep-sea mining, particularly the extraction of polymetallic nodules, stands at a critical juncture. While the potential economic benefits are significant, as evidenced by India’s ambitious plans in this sector, the environmental implications remain a subject of intense scrutiny and concern.