Consider the following statements:1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed ex- ploration and mining in international waters.2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in interna- tional waters.Which of the statements given above are correct?
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 and 3 only
ExplanationStatement 1 is incorrect: The Global Ocean Commis- sion (GOC) does not grant licenses for seabed mining.The Inter- national Seabed Authority (ISA) established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is respon- sible for granting licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.Statement 2 is correct: India has been granted licenses by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for seabed mineral ex- ploration in international waters.India has received a contract to explore polymetallic sulfides in the Indian Ocean Ridge.The Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT (National In- stitute of Ocean Technology) are leading the project.Statement 3 is correct: Rare earth elements (REEs) are found in deep-sea sediments, polymetallic nodules, and hydrothermal vents in international waters.These include elements like neo- dymium, yttrium, and dysprosium, which are essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries.33
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