Consider the following statements.
1. The Global Ocean Commission grants license for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2. India has received license for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand the logic behind the solution:

Statement 1: "The Global Ocean Commission grants license for seabed exploration and mining in international waters."

Analysis: This statement is incorrect. The Global Ocean Commission was an international initiative (2013–2016) aimed at raising awareness and making recommendations about high seas governance. It did not have regulatory or licensing authority. The official body authorized to grant licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Statement 2: "India has received license for seabed mineral exploration in international waters."

Analysis: This statement is correct. India was granted exploration rights for polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). India has also received licenses to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean ridge area.

Statement 3: "‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters."

Analysis: This statement is correct. Deep-sea mineral deposits, such as polymetallic nodules and seafloor massive sulphides found on the ocean floor in international waters, contain significant concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) along with metals like nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.