Current status and problems of exploration and development of world ocean metal mineral resources

WANG Shuling; BAI Fenglong; HUANG Wenxing; SUN Zhangtao

doi:10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2019032101

Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology > 2020 > 40(3): 160-170. > DOI: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2019032101

WANG Shuling, BAI Fenglong, HUANG Wenxing, SUN Zhangtao. Current status and problems of exploration and development of world ocean metal mineral resources[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2020, 40(3): 160-170. DOI: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2019032101

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Current status and problems of exploration and development of world ocean metal mineral resources

1.
National Geological Library of China, Beijing 100083, China
2.
Geosciences Documentation Center of China Geological Survey, Beijing 100083, China
3.
Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, China Geological Survey, Qingdao 266071, China
4.
Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China

More Information

Received Date: March 20, 2019
Revised Date: March 09, 2020
Available Online: May 11, 2020

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

The world seabed holds abundant metal mineral resources. The minerals on the seafloor such as cobalt, nickel, rare earth, and other minerals, are tens or even hundreds of times higher than those on land. Therefore, they are considered the ideally alternatives for future mineral explorations. This paper introduces the current status, distribution and potential of these resources in the world’s ocean, including polymetallic nodules, Cobalt-rich crusts, polymetallic sulfides and deep-sea REEs. This review analyzes and summarizes the cases of metal mineral exploration contracts in the international subsea area since the 21st century, and discusses the advances in the mining tests of polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulfides in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Russia, Papua New Guinea, Japan, China and other countries. Considering that the world's ocean metal mineral resources are abundant and have great potential, their exploration and mining are increasingly emphasized by governments all around the world. International seabed exploration contracts have been continuously increased, and commercial exploitation has been put on the agenda, but the mining of metal mineral resources in the international seabed areas still faces many constraints and challenges in terms of technology, regulations and environmental protection.
- international seabed,
- polymetallic nodules,
- Cobalt-rich crusts,
- polymetallic sulfides,
- deep-sea rare earths,
- exploration and development

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References (45)

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