Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount

The Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount (ANS) is a prominent undersea mountain located in the central Indian Ocean. It is one of the most significant geological features in the Central Indian Basin, noted for its unique volcanic origin, mineral-rich deposits, and strategic importance in deep-sea exploration. Named after the 15th-century Russian traveller Afanasy Nikitin, the seamount has become a subject of growing scientific and geopolitical interest due to its resource potential and location within international waters.

Location and Physical Characteristics

The Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount lies in the central Indian Ocean, approximately at 3° South latitude and 83° East longitude, about 3,000 kilometres south of the Indian mainland. It forms part of a larger system of underwater volcanic structures and rises steeply from the surrounding ocean floor.
The seamount rises from an oceanic depth of around 4,800 metres and extends upwards to within 1,200 metres of the sea surface, making it one of the most prominent topographic highs in the region. It has a plateau-like summit roughly 400 kilometres long and 150 kilometres wide, surrounded by secondary elevations and ridges. This large structure contributes to complex ocean currents and biological activity in its vicinity.

Geological Formation and Composition

Geologically, the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount is of volcanic origin, formed by intraplate volcanic activity rather than along a mid-ocean ridge. Its rocks are primarily basaltic, comprising olivine-picrite basalts, trachybasalts, and trachytes, indicating multiple volcanic episodes over geological time.
The seamount is believed to have originated during the Late Cretaceous period, and its structure reflects a combination of volcanic eruption, lava flow accumulation, and subsequent erosion. It is associated with the Eighty-Five Degree East Ridge, a major tectonic feature extending northwards through the Indian Ocean. This connection indicates that both formations may share a similar volcanic and tectonic history related to mantle plume activity.

Mineral and Resource Potential

The Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount is known for its abundance of polymetallic deposits, making it a potential site for future deep-sea mining. The key minerals identified in the region include:

• Cobalt – used in batteries and alloys.
• Nickel – essential for stainless steel and electric vehicle components.
• Manganese – a crucial component in steelmaking and battery technology.
• Copper – widely used in electrical and industrial applications.

These minerals are concentrated in ferromanganese crusts that coat the seamount’s rocky surfaces. The crusts are formed through slow chemical precipitation of metals from seawater over millions of years, resulting in high-grade mineral layers several centimetres thick.
Given the global demand for critical minerals—especially those essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles—the seamount’s mineral potential is considered economically significant. However, commercial exploitation remains in the exploratory phase due to technical and environmental challenges.

Legal and Jurisdictional Status

The Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount is situated beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of coastal nations, falling under the category of “the Area” as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Resources in such areas are considered the “common heritage of mankind” and are managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which regulates exploration and exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources.
Any country or company wishing to explore or mine the seamount must obtain authorisation and adhere to environmental, technological, and benefit-sharing requirements set by the ISA. Some regional states, such as India, have shown interest in obtaining exploration rights in parts of the Central Indian Basin, including the vicinity of the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount, for scientific and resource development purposes.

Strategic and Economic Importance

The strategic significance of the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount extends beyond resource extraction. Its location in the Indian Ocean, a critical maritime trade route, gives it considerable geopolitical importance. The region is central to the maritime interests of several nations, especially those seeking to secure access to marine resources and maintain influence over undersea domains.
Economically, successful exploitation of mineral resources from the seamount could contribute to the diversification of resource supply chains, reducing dependence on land-based mining. For countries such as India, it offers the prospect of securing critical minerals for its growing industrial and technological sectors.

Environmental and Technological Challenges

While the resource potential of the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount is high, deep-sea exploration poses significant technological and environmental challenges.

• Depth and pressure: The extreme depths of around 4,000–5,000 metres require advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and pressure-resistant drilling equipment.
• Environmental risks: Mining activities could disrupt fragile deep-sea ecosystems, cause sediment plumes, and affect biodiversity unique to seamount environments.
• Cost and feasibility: The high operational costs of deep-sea mining, combined with uncertain market returns, make commercial viability challenging without substantial technological innovation.
• Regulatory constraints: Strict environmental assessments and international regulations under UNCLOS add to the complexity of any potential mining operation.

These challenges have delayed large-scale exploitation, and most activities remain limited to scientific surveys, resource mapping, and environmental studies.

Scientific and Ecological Significance

Beyond its mineral wealth, the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount is of great interest to oceanographers and marine biologists. Seamounts serve as ecological “hotspots,” supporting unique communities of marine organisms, including corals, sponges, and fish species adapted to deep-sea environments. They influence local ocean currents, nutrient cycling, and biological productivity.
Research in this region contributes to the understanding of plate tectonics, volcanic processes, and deep-sea biodiversity, offering insights into the Earth’s geological evolution and marine ecosystem dynamics.

Future Prospects

The Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount represents both an opportunity and a challenge for future ocean resource management. With increasing global focus on sustainable development and energy transition, demand for critical minerals is expected to grow. This may accelerate interest in deep-sea mining, provided that technological advances make it economically and environmentally viable.
At the same time, international debates continue on ensuring that such activities are conducted responsibly, balancing economic benefits with the protection of the marine environment. For India and other Indian Ocean littoral states, the seamount presents an opportunity to expand scientific exploration, enhance oceanographic research, and contribute to global efforts in sustainable ocean governance.