Preliminary considerations for the design of cobalt crust mining systms in the U.S. EEZ

Abstract

On Marth 10, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation establishing the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As a result a great deal of interest has been generated regarding the potential of the hard mineral deposits of the EEZ. Thus far, two principal mineral types have been singled out for special attention: (1) polymetallic sulfides and (2) cobalt enriched manganese crusts. For cobalt crusts, the paper presents preliminary considerations for the design of mining systems. The knowledge and actual design and testing experience gained in the development of mining systems for manganese nodules is used as a basis for the identification of viable crust mining systems. The ability to discriminate between crust and substrate is highlighted. Based upon available data, the paper: defines the mining system performance requirements; identifies fundamental mining alternatives and approaches; identifies existing technologies for transfer, including manganese nodule mining technology; and includes conceptual sketches of proposed viable mining systems.