Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount)

Category: Geography, International Organisation, 

Why in the News?

• India recently submitted applications to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) in Jamaica, seeking rights to explore two expansive areas in the Indian Ocean seabed beyond its jurisdiction.

Background

• One area, known as the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount), is rich in cobalt and already claimed by Sri Lanka under separate laws. India's move comes amid concerns over Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the region.

What are Seamounts?

• Seamounts, submerged mountains formed by volcanic activity, are renowned for their biodiversity. Typically located near mid- ocean ridges, intraplate hotspots, and oceanic island chains, these formations vary from active to dormant or extinct volcanoes.

About Afanasy Nikitin Seamount

• The AN Seamount, spanning 400 km by 150 km in the Central Indian Basin, lies approximately 3,000 km from India's coast and holds significant deposits of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper. Exploration requires prior approval from the ISBA under UNCLOS regulations.

About International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an independent global entity formed under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement on Part XI of UNCLOS.
• Situated in Kingston, Jamaica, ISA comprises all UNCLOS State Parties, totaling 169 members as of May 18, 2023, including 168 nations and the European Union.
• Its primary responsibility is to safeguard the marine environment from adverse impacts of deep-sea activities.
• ISA functions as the regulatory body overseeing mineral resource operations in international waters, ensuring their exploitation benefits humanity collectively.