September 2024
Volume 76    Issue 9

Deep-sea mineral resource mining: A historical review, developmental progress and insights

Du, Kun; Xi, Wenqin; Huang, Shuai; Zhou, Jian

ABSTRACT:

The deep oceans harbor a wide variety of mineral resources that are characterized by their abundance and high quality. Many nations are actively pursuing the exploration and extraction of these resources. This paper provides a concise overview of the mineral resources found in the deep sea, highlighting the challenges associated with their exploitation. Furthermore, it presents a comprehensive analysis of the historical development of deep-sea mining technology and equipment, offering valuable insights into this field. By examining the current issues and obstacles faced in deep-sea mineral extraction, this study concludes that the future of deep-sea mining lies in the direction of automation, intelligence and standardization. Additionally, it identifies the key technological advancements that need to be achieved in order to overcome the challenges associated with deep-sea mining.

Full-text paper:
Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (2024) 41:173–192, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-023-00909-9

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