Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Commercial Development of Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits in the EEZ of the Kingdom of Tonga

摘要

Hydrothermal deposits on deep-sea floor are expected to be potential metal resources for the future demands. Recently, Korea was granted prospecting licences for the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Kingdom of Tonga and is undertaking exploration for hydrothermal metal deposits on the deepsea floor. The Korean Deep Seabed Mining Group (KDSMG), which consists of four Korean companies involved in the marine technologies, oil and gas shipping, and smelter industries, has conducted research to evaluate the area's resource potential in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM) of Korea. rnThis paper presents results of a feasibility study for the commercial development of seafloor hydrothermal deposits, and some exploration results performed on Tonga Arc area with evidence for newly discovered hydrothermal vents.