India’s Deep Ocean Mission Gains Momentum

India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is gaining significant attention, especially with the planned launch of the country’s first human-operated underwater submersible in 2025. This ambitious initiative is set to unlock new possibilities in ocean exploration, resource extraction, and environmental conservation.

What is Deep Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining involves extracting mineral deposits from the ocean floor, typically found at depths below 200 meters. The ocean floor is rich in biodiversity and contains resources critical for medical and environmental purposes. However, mining the seabed is a complex process that raises environmental concerns.

Polymetallic nodules—lumps of minerals like iron and manganese—are a key target in deep-sea mining. These nodules are crucial for meeting the growing demand for metals used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

The Deep Ocean Mission is a government-led initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) aimed at advancing India’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration and sustainable resource extraction. DOM is part of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC), reflecting its national importance.

Key Components of DOM:

1. Manned Submersibles for Ocean Exploration:
   • DOM plans to develop human-operated submersibles capable of diving to depths of 6,000 meters. These submersibles will enable India to explore some of the least understood parts of the ocean.
2. Marine Resource Exploration:
   • The mission focuses on exploring valuable marine resources like polymetallic nodules, hydrothermal sulfides, and cobalt crusts in the Indian Ocean. These resources hold potential for economic and technological growth.
3. Technological Innovation:
   • DOM will support the development of cutting-edge underwater robotics, sensors, and energy systems. These innovations will make deep-sea exploration more efficient and sustainable.
4. Underwater Energy and Climate Research:
   • The mission will also explore the potential for renewable energy sources, such as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), to combat climate change and power future technologies.

Mission Samudrayaan: India’s Underwater Exploration Initiative

Mission Samudrayaan is a key part of the Deep Ocean Mission, focusing on human exploration at depths of 6,000 meters. The mission aims to study marine ecosystems and explore mineral extraction techniques in the deep ocean. It is being implemented by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

Mission Samudrayaan’s Key Objectives:

• Conduct human exploration at extreme ocean depths.
• Study the deep-sea ecosystems to understand the impact of mining activities.
• Investigate the potential for sustainable resource extraction from the ocean floor.

Global Context: The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

The United Nations has designated the period from 2021 to 2030 as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This global initiative promotes sustainable practices for ocean resource use, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation. India’s Deep Ocean Mission is aligned with these goals, contributing to the global effort for ocean sustainability.

Why It Matters

India’s Deep Ocean Mission is not just about advancing technology—it’s also about balancing resource extraction with environmental responsibility. By exploring the deep ocean, India can develop innovative solutions for sustainable resource use and contribute to global ocean conservation efforts.

This mission promises to enhance India’s scientific and technological prowess while ensuring that ocean resources are used responsibly and sustainably for future generations. The upcoming launch of India’s first manned submersible marks just the beginning of a journey that will bring valuable insights into our planet’s most mysterious and unexplored ecosystems.

Key Takeaways 

• India is launching its first human-operated submersible in 2025 as part of the Deep Ocean Mission.
• The mission aims to explore valuable marine resources, including polymetallic nodules, and advance sustainable technologies like OTEC.
• Mission Samudrayaan will enable human exploration at depths of 6,000 meters and focus on understanding marine ecosystems.
• India’s initiative aligns with the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, contributing to global efforts for ocean sustainability.

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