NCPOR Scientists set sail on third expedition to Indian ocean in search of massive mineral deposits
- In Reports
- 06:12 PM, May 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
Scientists from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) based in Goa have commenced their third voyage to the Indian Ocean aboard the Argeo Searcher in May. The mission aims to discover hidden reserves of critical mineral deposits as part of the government’s Deep Ocean Mission.
During the month-long expedition, the team will survey 15 sites where they anticipate finding polymetallic sulphide deposits. These deposits, located near naturally occurring hydrothermal vents in the deep sea at depths of nearly 5,000 metres, contain essential minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel.
Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director of NCPOR, stated, "This is our third team conducting deep-sea survey and mapping since our expeditions began in February. Typically, each voyage lasts almost 45 days, but this time, rough weather has posed some challenges. We may need to extend the exploration phase once the current team returns."
He added, "It is extensive work, akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. There is a substantial amount of data to be thoroughly analysed, which could take months to precisely pinpoint the location of these deposits. Following this, we will utilise a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to collect samples from the deep sea for ground truthing."
In November last year, NCPOR entered into a Rs 118 crore contract with Norway-based company Argeo for the provision of their specialised research vessel, the Argeo Searcher, and an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) equipped with an advanced sensor suite. This agreement facilitated a four-month long exploration project.
Trond F Crantz, CEO of Argeo, revealed that the on-board team has thus far gathered a vast amount of high-resolution data, which is currently under evaluation by NCPOR. This data will serve as the foundation for India's future exploration efforts within its contract area in the Indian Ocean, as authorised by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Crantz stated, "The RV Argeo Searcher is purpose-built for high seas, where adverse weather conditions are common. It boasts a length of almost 110 metres and accommodates a crew of 40 members.
Additionally, it is equipped with the AUV Hugin Superior, capable of diving to depths of nearly 5,000 metres, providing close proximity to the seabed. This AUV stands as one of the most advanced underwater vehicles available today, and its deployment required considerable time and effort."
The RV sails to a predetermined site in the Indian Ocean, deploying the AUV to dive nearly 4,000 metres deep near the seabed. The AUV captures high-resolution images and collects data using various sensors, remaining operational for 48-60 hours. This data-intensive process yields approximately 10 Terabytes of data per dive, which will inform India's future exploration efforts.
Image source: India News 18
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