Context:
Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals deep under the waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of peninsular India.
Findings:
- GSI has confirmed the presence of large amount of lime mud, phosphate-rich and calcareous sediments, hydrocarbons, metalliferous deposits and micronodules.
- They believe that deeper and more extensive exploration could lead to a larger treasure trove.
- The presence of lime mud, phosphate-rich sediments was discovered off Karwar, Mangaluru and Chennai coasts, gas hydrate in the channel-levee system of Mannar Basin off the Tamil Nadu coast, micro-manganese nodules around Lakshadweep Sea and cobalt-bearing ferro-manganese crust from the Andaman Sea.
- GST had carried out the ‘High Resolution Seabed Mapping and Natural Resource Evaluation’.
- The main objective of the survey was to identify potential zones of favourable mineralisation and evaluate marine mineral resources.