Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSIONS ON TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPLORATION FOR, AND MINING OF SEAFLOOR
MASSIVE SULPHIDES AND COBALT-RICH FERROMANGANESE CRUSTS
DEPOSITS
Summary of the presentation
Dr. Peter Herzig made a second presentation to the workshop, on the
technical requirements for exploring for and mining seafloor massive
sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts deposits using slides and a
video presentation. He informed participants that his presentation would
comprise an overview of existing technology and future developments that he
felt were required to make progress in exploration and research. He pointed
out that his presentation would focus on massive sulphides deposits. Dr.
Herzig said that since the first black smokers were discovered at the East
Pacific Rise in 1979 a number of international research programmes have been
initiated. He pointed out that these programmes have led to the development
of new techniques and systems for research and for the exploration for
massive sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts deposits.
Dr. Herzig illustrated some of the systems that are available to marine
geologists and researchers for exploring for seafloor massive sulphides and
cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts deposits. His presentation followed the
general principles used in searching for mineral resources, namely, the
appraisal of large regions to select those areas favourable for the occurrence of
these two types of deposits, followed by reconnaissance of the favourable
regions in search of target areas. Target areas are defined as those areas with
the characteristics required for the formation of the mineral deposit. Once
targets areas are found, detailed investigations of the target areas takes place.
Detailed investigations are normally first conducted on the surface, and then,
if warranted, by three-dimensional physical sampling such as drilling.
Because both types of deposits occur at depth and in deep-sea, the first
requirement is a platform.
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 317