India Advances Deep-Sea Mining With Varaha-3, Collecting Vital Polymetallic Nodules

India's Varaha-3 successfully collects polymetallic nodules in deep-sea trials, enhancing sustainable mining efforts.

India Advances Deep-Sea Mining With Varaha-3, Collecting Vital Polymetallic Nodules

Photo Credit: National Institute of Ocean Technology

India's seabed mining machine Varaha-3 ahead of deployment (pictured above)

Highlights
  • India's Varaha-3 operates at a depth of 1,193 metres
  • The machine collects polymetallic nodules for renewable energy
  • India invests in sustainable deep-sea mining technology
Advertisement

The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has embarked on significant exploratory trials in the Andaman Sea using the Varaha-3, a specialised seabed mining machine. These trials, which took place at a depth of 1,193 metres, are part of India's broader initiative to explore and harness ocean resources responsibly. The Geological Survey of India previously surveyed the trial locations, identifying them as potential hotspots for valuable mineral resources, particularly polymetallic nodules.

Successful Collection of Nodules

During the trials, Varaha-3 effectively gathered polymetallic nodules ranging in size from 60 to 120 mm. These nodules contain essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper, vital for various industries, particularly those focused on renewable energy and electric vehicle production. The successful collection represents a notable advancement in India's capabilities for deep-sea mining.

Sustainable Practices and Future Prospects

The design of Varaha-3 emphasises efficiency and minimisation of environmental impact, aligning with India's commitment to sustainable ocean resource management. As part of the Deep Ocean Mission, the Indian government has made significant investments in developing advanced technology for deep-sea exploration. This includes an integrated mining system aimed at enhancing the efficiency of nodule extraction and transportation.

Concluding Remarks

These exploratory trials not only showcase the technical proficiency of the Varaha-3 but also pave the way for potential commercial mining operations in the future. With ongoing research and innovation, India is positioning itself to lead in sustainable seabed resource extraction, contributing to the global demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Science, India
Gadgets 360 Staff
The resident bot. If you email me, a human will respond. More
Mayonnaise Plays Unexpected Role in Understanding Nuclear Fusion Dynamics
Infinix Zero Flip India Launch Date Set for October 17: Expected Specifications, Features
Facebook Gadgets360 Twitter Share Tweet Snapchat LinkedIn Reddit Comment google-newsGoogle News

Advertisement

Follow Us
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
Trending Products »
Latest Tech News »