For decades, resource-rich nations-such as the OECD countries, Arab oil exporters, and legacy mining giants- have maintained a stronghold over global resource politics. Their natural wealth has enabled them to wield significant influence over global markets and geopolitics.
This dominance has, however, come with significant downsides: environmental degradation, widening economic inequality, and deepening social unrest in regions heavily dependent on their finite natural resources. As much of the generated wealth bypasses local communities, this imbalance has led to political instability, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
But as new extraction technologies emerge and ancient wisdom offers fresh insights, the traditional power dynamics in the resource world are beginning to shift, leveling the playing field and offering a path toward greater global equity.
In this context, the wisdom of ancient Indian legends resonates deeply. The story of Samudra Manthan, or the Churning of the Ocean, offers a metaphor for harnessing the ocean’s hidden wealth.
According to the myth, when Lord “Indra, the king of gods, lost his wealth and kingdom due to a curse, he sought the advice of Lord “Vishnu” and was suggested churning of the cosmic ocean in search of lost treasures, including the nectar of immortality (Amrit). The ocean was churned, yielding an array of valuable resources, including Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, divine elephants, and the moon itself.
However, the process also brought forth dangerous poison, illustrating the inherent risks that come with accessing nature’s deep-seated riches. In much the same way, modern nations must navigate the risks and rewards of resource extraction, with today’s technologies acting as the metaphorical churning stick.
Additionally, Indian legends also mention the mythological Bhaumastra- a weapon associated with the earth goddess Bhumi- was believed to create deep underground tunnels that summoned jewels from within the earth, offering another symbolic parallel to modern extraction techniques that tap into subterranean resources.
India’s deep connection to this mythological wisdom is reflected in its ambitious endeavors in deep-sea exploration. With the successful Varaha-3 tests in the Andaman Sea, India has begun to collect polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor. These nodules- containing valuable metals like nickel, copper, and cobalt- are going to play a crucial role in India’s growing resource independence.
By tapping these underwater resources, India could reduce its dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains and secure a foothold in critical sectors such as renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) battery production. In this way, the country embodies the spirit of Samudra Manthan, reclaiming wealth from the depths of the ocean while mitigating the associated risks.
One of the most promising areas for global transformation lies in the rapidly advancing field of deep-sea mining. The deep sea harbors vast reserves of polymetallic nodules- mineral-rich formations that contain essential metals for the modern world. As demand for these metals surges, particularly in the production of batteries and electric vehicles, traditional land-based mining operations are coming under scrutiny for their environmental impact.
Deep-sea mining presents an alternative, offering the potential for fewer land disruptions and potentially less environmental harm. Nations like India and the United States are well-positioned to benefit from these underwater resources, potentially challenging China’s current dominance in refining and processing critical metals.
Consider the example of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which supplies the bulk of the world’s cobalt- a metal essential for battery production. Mining operations in the DRC have long been associated with unsafe child labour conditions, human rights abuses, and environmental destruction.
To make matters worse, most of the raw materials extracted from the DRC are refined in China, further consolidating Chinese control over the global supply chain. In response to these issues, many large corporations are reevaluating their supply chains. Apple, for instance, has committed to using only recycled cobalt by 2025. Similarly, Tesla and other companies are searching for sustainable alternatives to avoid reliance on “blood minerals.”
While recycling is increasingly emphasised as a solution, it cannot, by itself, at the moment, meet the surging demand for critical metals. The development of technologies like deep-sea mining, regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), presents an opportunity to diversify and increase global resource supplies. Nations are now competing for access to polymetallic nodules, recognizing that these underwater reserves could dramatically shift the balance of power in resource politics.
As countries secure control over these critical resources, the geopolitical landscape will be reshaped, altering trade relationships and economic strategies in the process. By adding to Global supplies, deep sea mining can in a few decades create a future led by the circular economy.
Innovative technologies are also playing a pivotal role in reshaping the resource landscape. Startups such as Tidal Metals are advancing sustainable extraction techniques, as they hope to separate magnesium from seawater, something which is typically associated with traditional mining practices. Jetti Resources is another innovator in the field, improving copper extraction from low-grade ores, ensuring that global demand for this essential metal can be met without sacrificing environmental sustainability.
The bio-mining sector is also undergoing a revolution. Companies like Genomines are experimenting with gene-edited plants to extract nickel from biomass, offering a radically sustainable alternative to conventional mining practices. By fostering ecological health while meeting the world’s metal needs, such innovative approaches are transforming the resource extraction industry.
Plastics Energy, on the other hand, is tackling a different challenge by chemically recycling waste plastics into valuable petrochemical feedstocks. Supported by a strategic partnership with Saudi industrial titan SABIC, this initiative highlights the potential of innovative recycling solutions to drive the global shift toward a circular economy.
The emergence of lab-grown diamonds is yet another example of how technology is disrupting traditional resource politics. Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to their mined counterparts, which are often associated with significant environmental damage and exploitative labour practices. The proliferation of lab-grown diamonds is prompting a re-evaluation of global resource dependencies, as these high-quality alternatives can be produced with far fewer ecological consequences.
Furthermore, lab-grown technologies are extending beyond diamonds, with similar innovations emerging in the production of palm oil and cotton. These lab-grown alternatives could dramatically alter the global commodities landscape, reducing deforestation and reshaping international trade dynamics.
One can also not overlook the role of artificial intelligence in mining. Kobold AI, a startup backed by industry heavyweights like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, is leading a technological revolution in resource extraction. By using advanced geospatial mapping AI techniques, Kobold AI discovered one of the largest copper deposits in Zambia, demonstrating the power of AI to uncover previously inaccessible resources. As AI-driven technologies continue to evolve, they will play an even more critical role in reshaping global resource politics.
Therefore, to conclude the future of natural resources looks promising for young people, as emerging technologies in extraction and recycling, combined with the potential of deep-sea mining, are set to reshape the global resource landscape. These innovations not only offer sustainable alternatives to traditional practices but also aim to address the environmental and social injustices associated with resource exploitation. By harnessing the power of advanced technologies- such as AI and bio-mining- future generations can engage in more equitable and environmentally conscious resource management. So, the time has come for another manthan !
