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 seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct?

QUESTION

Easy

International Relations

Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements:

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

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Out of the statements about seabed exploration and mining in international waters:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Global Ocean Commission was an international initiative, not a regulatory body granting licenses. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulates seabed mining in international waters.

Statement 2 is Correct: Like other countries, India can apply for and receive exploration licenses from the ISA for areas beyond national jurisdictions. Since 2014, India has obtained licences from the International Sea Bed Authority for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.

Statement 3 is Correct: Rare earth minerals are among the potential resources found on the seabed in international waters, although their commercial viability is still being explored.

Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3 only.

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