Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

Dr. Hein said that he has not seen an organic film on the surface of crusts
deposits but thinks that the oxidation of the metals and their incorporation
into crusts has to be aided by a bacterial process. He said that he suspects that
it is a biochemical (microbiological) catalyst that creates the first molecular
layer. After this layer is formed, Dr. Hein said that the process becomes
autocatalytic, alternating between oxidation and reduction reactions.
Dr. Hein said that the only study that has been conducted in relation
to microorganisms is on the benthic foraminifera that live on the surface of
crusts. He said that while scientists have learnt that these communities can
cover up to 30 per cent of the crust surface, he also said that the role of these
communities in inhibiting or enhancing the growth of crusts has not been
determined. He suggested that a study should be conducted on the
protoplasm of communities that are living in the oxygen minimum zone, and
on crusts that have 200 parts per million each of thallium, arsenic and other
toxic metals. Dr. Hein said that because of the interaction of the oxygen
minimum zone and crusts deposits, on seamounts in general the population
density and the diversity are low.
Crusts exploration and mining in the Area
Recalling that in another presentation on polymetallic massive
sulphides deposits participants had been informed that thirteen of the fifteen
prime sites presently known are in the EEZ’s of some states, this participant
asked for the number of prime areas for crusts mining in the Area. In view of
the lesser degree of environmental damage from crusts mining, another
participant who was of this opinion wanted to know whether the
metallurgical processing of platinum from crusts had been established.
Another participant wanted to know the source of the gamma
radiation used to measure crusts thickness. Dr. Hein was asked to comment
on the nature of the mining technology required for crusts mining. It was
pointed out that because the crusts had to torn apart and fragmented, the
technology required would of necessity be more complex. Comments and
opinions were expressed about the market for cobalt; the politics that have
guided the various search efforts, and the work of the International Seabed
Authority.
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 269