Join To Say ‘No, Thank You!’
In 2020, the Government of India launched an INR 4000 crore ‘Deep Ocean Mission.’ The goal is to explore the unexplored, to tap into India’s Economic Zones and Continental Zones’ untapped mineral, energy, and ecological potential. A 1.5-square-kilometre area in the middle Indian Ocean has been set aside for the extraction of Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS). PMS has been praised for its long-term commercial importance, as it contains important minerals such as iron and zinc. PMS contains the minerals required for the construction of environmentally friendly and renewable technology such as electric cars and solar panels. But at what cost?
In their study, the Ocean Panel, which is endorsed by the UN Secretary-Special General’s Envoy for the Ocean, cites some key points about deep sea-bed mining. The scientific understanding of ocean ecosystems is still in its infancy, according to this report. Second, the end-to-end ocean mining process will have a long-term ecological impact. Last but not least, the economic viability of Deep Sea Mining for governments is debatable. Even if profit is generated, how will it be allocated evenly so that future generations receive their share?
MIRA agrees with the Ocean Panel’s observations. We have alerted the relevant authorities to the potential consequences of the Deep Ocean Mission. In addition, a moratorium on the proposal for Deep Sea Mining was requested. You can also join us in our petition to have India’s Deep Ocean Mission canceled immediately. Act now to avert an impending disaster!