On the Metal Contents of Ocean Floor Nodules, Crusts and Massive Sulphides and a Preliminary Assessment of the Extractable Amounts

The metal contents of ocean floor nodules, crusts and massive sulphides was estimated and an assessment of their commercial extractability were conducted. The metals considered were iron, manganese, copper, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, platinum, gold and silver. We found that significant metal amounts are located mainly in 5 regions of the world’s oceans. Most of the tonnage of the studied metals are located at great depth, involving huge technological challenges. Only a smaller fraction (5-25%) of the detected amounts can be considered to be extractable under the most favourable of conditions. We found that the land-based metal resources appear to be more readily available for extraction. Despite huge optimism in the field, no profitable commercial operation has yet been started. It seems that based on an ore grade to metal price evaluation, that only cobalt or silver would perhaps be interesting on a commercial level.