The Current State of Global Activities Related to Deep-sea Mineral Exploration and Mining

摘要

Deep-sea mining is seen as a potential way to provide future secure metal supply to global markets. The\udcurrent rush to the seafloor in areas beyond national jurisdiction indicates that sound knowledge of the\udgeological characteritics of the various commodities, a realistic resource assessment, and a social and\udpolitical discussion about the cons and pros of their exploitation that is based on facts, not myths, is\udrequired. This contribution provides the most recent information on global deep-sea mineral resources and\udsets the stage for detailed talks in this session.