Evaluation of Metal Resources at and Near Proposed Deep Sea Mine Sites

摘要

The resource potential of three central Pacific manganese nodule deposits is evaluated using sea floor photographs and box core samples. Mean nodule concentration for the three deposits ranged from a low of 3.8 kg/square meters (dry) near DOMES Site B to a high of 7.1 kg/square meters (dry) near DOMES Site C. A nodule concentration of 4.4 kg/square meters (dry) was estimated for the area surrounding DOMES Site A. Nodules rich in Mn, Ni, and Cu characterize the Site B area, but low nodule abundance estimates suggest a limited resource potential. Nodule grade is lower and nodule abundance is slightly higher near Site A. The area surrounding Site C appears to have the greatest potential for supplying ocean floor metals. An extensive appendix is included listing metal values for 882 nodules recovered from 144 sample sites. Sample locations and mean metal values for each location are shown on 44 maps. The report also includes an extensive listing of nodule physical characteristics and population data derived from the analysis of sea floor photographs.