Marine mineral potential in India's exclusive economic zone: Some issues before exploitation

Abstract

India has about 2 million km2 of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is nearly two‐thirds of her total land area. The mineral potential of the EEZ includes well‐known monazite‐ilmenite‐rutile placers on the east and west coasts, calcareous aggregates and sands in the shallow waters (especially in the Lakshadweep island group off the southwest coast), and phosphate mud and sediments (along the west coast, and possibly in the Andaman Sea). There is also potential for cobalt‐rich crusts in several locations, and for hydrothermal sulfide mineralization in the Andaman Sea. In addition, seawater components and hydrocarbon deposits in the offshore areas are already attracting expanded activity. To be able to exploit the mineral potential of the EEZ on a long‐term sustainable basis, it is necessary to investigate the nature of each type of deposit and to make an associated oceano‐graphic‐environmental evaluation. A good beginning has been made with respect to exploitation of the beach and offshore placers.