Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

FOREWORD
This publication contains the proceedings of a workshop convened by
the International Seabed Authority on mineral resources other than
polymetallic nodules, to be found in marine areas beyond the limits of
national jurisdiction (the Area). It is the third in the series of workshops that
have been convened by the International Seabed Authority to inform the
international community of scientific and technological developments that are
taking place with regard to marine mineral resources. In 1998, at the resumed
Fourth session of the Authority, the representative of the Russian Federation
made a request to the Authority to adopt rules, regulations and procedures
for exploration for seafloor massive polymetallic sulphides deposits and
cobalt-rich manganese crusts. To prepare the Authority for work in this
regard, it was decided to convene this workshop on the future development
of minerals other than polymetallic nodules in the Area. It was decided at the
outset that a comprehensive effort would be made to obtain information and
understanding on the present knowledge base for the possible exploration
and exploitation of these other resources, in particular seafloor massive
polymetallic sulphides deposits and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts. It is
recognized that while a good deal of scientific research has been
accomplished, the transition from marine scientific research to prospecting
and exploration for these resources, and then to their commercialisation will
require a certain amount of flexibility in rule making.
To date, the work of the Authority has focused on the exploration for
deep seabed polymetallic or ferromanganese nodules that are to be found in
the international area. Under the parallel system prescribed for deep seabed
polymetallic nodules, a prospector who seeks an exploration contract from the
Authority is to submit “an application that covers a total area, which need not
be a single continuous area, sufficiently large and of sufficient estimated
commercial value to allow two mining operations. The application shall
indicate the coordinates of the area, defining the total area and dividing it into
two parts of equal estimated commercial value and shall contain all the data
available to the applicant with respect to both parts of the area” 1/ .
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1/ United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Annex III; Resolution II, paragraph 3(a).
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 1