The Polymetallic Nodules programme is a national programme with international commitments. The programme consists of three components - survey & exploration, extractive metallurgy and development of mining system.

The programme has been reviewed by three technical committees constituted by the Department. In pursuance to the recommendations of these Committees, the Department has reoriented all the three components of PMN programme and prepared two proposals for the approval of the Expenditure Finance Committee. The Expenditure Finance Committee approved the proposals in respect of (a) survey & exploration activities in the pioneer area of Central Indian Ocean Basin and (b) technology development for PMN Programme during 1994-97 at an estimated cost of Rs.33.33 crores and Rs. 31.92 crores respectively. The implementation of survey & exploration activities in the pioneer area of Central Indian Ocean and the technology development for PMN Programme would be executed respectively by National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), a nodal institute of the Department of Ocean Development (DOD).