Polymetallic Nodules

Polymetallic nodules (PMN) are also known as manganese nodules.

They are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor in the deep sea of the world oceans.

Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium.

Of these metals nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance.

Why in news? India has extended exclusive rights to explore polymetallic nodules from seabed in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB).

India was the first country to receive the status of a pioneer investor for exploration and utilization of polymetallic nodules.

It was allocated an exclusive area in Central Indian Ocean Basin by United Nations (UN) in 1987.

India is one among the top 8-countries to implement a long–term programme on exploration and utilization of Polymetallic Nodules.

Through Ministry of Earth Sciences it carries survey and exploration, environmental studies, technology development in mining and extractive metallurgy.