03 Aug 11: The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has approved application put forward by ‘The China Ocean Mineral resources Research and Development Association’ to explore 10,000 sq km polymetallic sulphide ore deposit in the southwest region of Indian ocean. As per this approval, the China’s association will have 15 year contract with the ISA and will also have rights to develop the ore deposit in future.
Directorate of Naval Intelligence (DNI) in India, has raised concerns over the approval being given for China by the ISA. The Indian government has viewed that, due to this approval China may operate its warships, besides accumulating information on vast mineral resources in India.
Moreover, in 2001, China has also obtained approval to explore a 75,000 sq km polymetallic nodule ore deposit in the East Pacific Ocean. China has started its experiments here by launching the first manned deep sea submersible in Pacific ocean. It has three people on board and touched 5,180 meters on 2nd August.
Source: The Economic Times