About PNRA
The Polymetallic Nodule Research Alliance’s mission is to address the principal themes of scientific interest relating to polymetallic nodule collection and to present the latest research in an accessible way for the benefit of all stakeholders.
What are polymetallic nodules?
Polymetallic nodules are metal-rich rock-like accretions, roughly the size of potatoes, that have formed on the seafloor over millions of years. Nodules occur at a depth of between 4,000 and 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface.
Where are polymetallic nodules found?
A vast polymetallic nodule field has been identified in a region of the Pacific Ocean seafloor between Mexico and Hawaii known as the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ). While the CCZ hosts most of the exploration activity, polymetallic nodules have been discovered in other parts of the deep ocean, including the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the Cook Islands and Japan.
The polymetallic nodules of the CCZ alone contain three to five times more nickel and cobalt than all known land deposits combined.
Why are polymetallic nodules being explored as an option to meet mineral demand?
The metals contained in polymetallic nodules have been identified by the International Energy Agency as critical for the clean energy transition. They are also important for meeting the needs associated with global population growth and development. There is good reason to believe that polymetallic nodule collection will come to be regarded as one of the more responsible ways to meet growing demand for critical minerals while avoiding deforestation and displacement of people, which can be issues associated with terrestrial mining.
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