Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

to mineral production from land-based massive sulphide mines, Professor
Herzig noted that the contribution from these types of deposits to the global
production of base and precious metals is about 50% of world zinc
production, 40% of world lead production, 15% of world copper production,
40% of world silver production and 5% of world gold production. He
concluded that land-based massive sulphides deposits are an important
contributor to the global metal market.
Professor Herzig told participants that after the discovery of the first
black smoker at the East Pacific Rise in 1979, international research
programmes were launched to study hydrothermal systems and seafloor
massive sulphide deposits in the oceans. He pointed out that as a result of
these programmes, vessels and equipment have been developed to provide
better information on these deposits. In this regard, Professor Herzig showed
slides of the German research vessel, the SONNE, and informed participants
that the vessel is equipped with the multi-beam echo sounder system that
enables researchers to map the seafloor. For detailed mapping and sampling,
he stated that submersibles were required. He showed a slide showing the
French submersible, Nautile, which has a diving range of 6000 m and that
provides berth space for 2 pilots and one scientist.
As a result of the international research programmes since 1979,
Professor Herzig stated that 150 sites of hydrothermal activity and massive
sulphides deposits on the modern seafloor have been discovered. Of these
hydrothermal systems, 35 of them are active and the others are inactive.
With regard to the distribution of known sites of hydrothermal activity
and seafloor massive sulphides in the world’s oceans, Professor Herzig said
that the majority of these sites are located at the Northeast Pacific Rise, the
East Pacific Rise and the Southeast Pacific Rise, due mainly to the fact that the
first discovery was made in this geographic area at 21˚ N. He further
explained this situation referring to the saying that “if you want to hunt
elephants, go to elephant country”. As a result, he pointed out the first set of
international researching expeditions were carried out north and south of 21˚
N.
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 149