Abstract
Mineral resources are present offshore either as bedrock or superficial Bedrock deposits include petroleum, coal, sulphur, evaporites, and metals. Many of these deposits can be exploited in shallow water using currently-available technology including drilling platforms, solution extraction, and underground mining from onshore installations which extend offshore. Genetically, there are two kinds of superficial deposits; those which formed on the continent but which were subsequently submerged by the post-glacial rise in sea level (lateritic deposits and some types of placer deposits), and those which have formed under submarine conditions at the present time or in the recent past. Deposits of this second group include construction materials, some placer deposits, phosphorites, and glauconite, all of which are found primarily on the shelf and upper slope; and deposits of the deeper oceans, including deep-sea oozes, manganese nodules, and metalliferous muds and brines. Dredging techniques are used for exploiting superficial deposits in shallow waters; various types of dredges are being tested, or are planned for the deeper-water deposits. Although it is probable that many offshore mineral deposits will not be exploited in the near future, they nevertheless constitute long-term resources of considerable importance.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.