Polymetallic nodules are also known as Manganese Nodules
Q. Polymetallic nodules are also known as- Published on 13 Sep 16a. Manganese nodules
b. Magnesium nodules
c. Mineral nodules
d. Multimineral nodules
ANSWER: Manganese nodules
- Polymetallic nodules (also known as manganese nodules) are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea.
- Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium, of which nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance.
- India signed a 15 year contract for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) in Central Indian Ocean Basin with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) (an Institution set up under the Convention on Law of the Sea to which India is a Party) on 25th March, 2002 with the approval of Cabinet.
- India is presently having an area of 75,000 sq.km. located about 2000 km away from her southern tip for exploration of PMN.
- The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of contract between Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules for a further period of 5 years (2017-22). The earlier contract is expiring on 24th March 2017.
