To explore mineral assets in the sea and take up deep-sea surveys the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has bought a ship or research vessel, Samudra Ratnakar for Rs 600 crore.
Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea has delivered the research ship to GSI last month. It is equipped with latest technological instruments and GSI has plans to keep about 50 scientists on board for data collection from the deep-sea.
Sources in Delhi said that with the induction of Samudra Ratnakar, the GSI is embarking upon a new chapter in its history. For the first time, GSI will be entering into deep-sea waters for survey and exploration.