UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

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?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Licences for seabed exploration in international waters are issued by the International Seabed Authority under UNCLOS, not by the Global Ocean Commission (statement 1 is wrong). India holds ISA exploration contracts for polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides (statement 2), and rare earth elements occur in seafloor deposits such as polymetallic nodules and deep-sea muds (statement 3).

Topics: geography, oceanography, seabed mining licences and rare earth minerals, seabed resources