NIOT Deep-sea Mining System: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu

Chennai: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Sunday that the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is developing a deep-sea mining system to meet the nation’s growing mineral needs. Speaking at NIOT’s silver jubilee celebrations here, Naidu said that he has been informed that NIOT is working towards developing a deep-sea mining system and other technologies for harnessing resources from the ocean to meet India’s growing mineral needs and increase self-sufficiency in the near future. “The development of technologies for the sustainable harvesting of living and non-living resources of the ocean is in line with the Blue Economy policy of the government of India and will empower the nation to be a leader in oceans, just like in space technology,” he said.

Naidu said that NIOT is working on almost all aspects of the six priority pillars of Blue Economy — fisheries and aquaculture; renewable ocean energy; seaports and shipping; offshore hydrocarbons and seabed minerals; marine biotechnology, research; and development and tourism. According to Naidu, Blue Economy also includes intangible economic benefits that may not be marketed, such as carbon sequestration, coastal protection, cultural values, and biodiversity. “While playing a sheet anchor role in the sustainable management of ocean resources, NIOT must forge partnerships and collaborations across sectors and borders,” Naidu added. (IANS)

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