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📌 The Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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✅ Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

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🧠 Classroom Explanation:

🔹 Statement 1 — Incorrect ❌
The Global Ocean Commission (2013–2016) was a policy and advocacy initiative aimed at ocean governance reforms.
👉 It does NOT grant licences.

✔️ Licensing authority for seabed mining in international waters:
➡️ International Seabed Authority (ISA)
(Established under UNCLOS, 1982)

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🔹 Statement 2 — Correct ✔️
India is a pioneer among developing countries in deep-sea exploration.

📌 Key facts:

• India has been exploring the deep sea since 1981
• In 2017, India’s exclusive rights to explore polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) were extended
• Licence granted by International Seabed Authority (ISA)

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🔹 Statement 3 — Correct ✔️
Yes, rare earth minerals are present on the seafloor in international waters, mainly in:

• Polymetallic nodules

• Contain manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper
• Also associated with rare earth elements

• Seafloor hydrothermal vents

• Release mineral-rich hot fluids
• Contain dissolved rare earth elements

Thus, deep oceans are emerging as a strategic mineral frontier 🌊⚙️

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🔍 Curiosity Raiser:
🌍 The minerals lying on the ocean floor could power EV batteries, wind turbines, and smartphones — but mining them may irreversibly damage deep-sea ecosystems we barely understand.

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📚 Enrich Notes (UPSC Value-Add):

• International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• Kingston, Jamaica
• Regulates mineral activities in the “Area” (seabed beyond national jurisdiction)
• Ensures resources are treated as Common Heritage of Mankind

• India’s Deep Sea Mission (DSM)

• Polymetallic nodules
• Submersible Matsya 6000
• Strategic + environmental importance

• Prelims Trap to Remember:
❌ Global Ocean Commission ≠ Licensing body
✅ ISA = Licensing + regulation

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🪶 IAS Monk Whisper:
When the question dives into oceans, always ask — who governs the seabed? The answer is rarely political, and almost always legal.