A Model for Relative Ranking of Blocks and Selection of Candidate Mine-Sites for Manganese Nodule Mining: A Case Study of the Indian Ocean

摘要

The paper describes a model developed for selection of the potential nodule areas in a terrain where the pre-determined grid prospecting was carried out. Considering the ore deposit parameters vital for decision making, blockwise estimates were suggested for each of these parameters and relative ranking of such blocks lead to the demarcation of candidate mine-sites. Such a model was tested against the Indian Pioneer Area (IPA) in the Central Indian Basin (CIB), and the probable areas of candidate mine-sites for nodule mining are suggested.