The history of deep-sea mineral exploration
The concept of extracting valuable minerals from the ocean floor has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The idea has evolved from a mere speculation to a potential reality over the course of more than a century.
In the 1870s, during the groundbreaking HMS Challenger expedition, scientists discovered the existence of mineral-rich deposits on the seafloor. John Young Buchanan, the ship’s chemist, made a prescient observation about these polymetallic nodules, suggesting they might hold significant value in the future. This early recognition planted the seed for what would become a growing interest in deep-sea mineral resources.
Nearly a century later in 1965, John L. Mero published a landmark book titled “The Mineral Resources of the Sea.” This work is widely considered the catalyst that ignited serious interest in exploring the deep seabed for its mineral resources. Mero’s analysis of the mineral potential lying on the ocean floor captured the imagination of scientists, industry, and policymakers alike.
The 1970s and 1980s saw a surge in exploration of these ideas. Several pioneering technology trials were conducted during this period, demonstrating that it was indeed technically feasible to collect nodules from the ocean floor. These early experiments laid the groundwork for more advanced deep-sea mining techniques and equipment that would be developed in subsequent years.
In 1994 the International Seabed Authority was established through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with a mandate to organize, regulate, and control all mineral-related activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
This progression from initial discovery to practical experimentation spans over a century, highlighting the long-term vision and persistence required in developing new frontiers of resource collection. As we continue to explore the possibility of polymetallic nodules as a responsible source of critical minerals, we build upon this rich history of scientific curiosity and technological innovation.
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Introduction to Deep-Sea Minerals
Regulation
The exploration and potential commercialization of mineral resources falls under the jurisdiction of the International Seabed Authority.
Supply
As we integrate low-carbon technologies in energy systems to meet growing global power needs, minerals are becoming increasingly crucial.
Technology
Various trials conducted over the past few decades have demonstrated that it is technically possible to collect polymetallic nodules.