Sulfide ores may ease minerals shortage

Abstract

Deep-ocean minerals prospectors are turning their attention from manganese modules to deposits of massive metallic sulfides. The nodules still may be the first commercially recovered hard minerals from the ocean floor, but the sulfides offer more long-term interest. Some estimates suggest that as many as 20 of the 30 strategically short minerals used by the U.S. may be available in sulfide deposits within the 200-mile economic zone off the U.S. West Coast. Although such estimates may be high, some of the strategic minerals certainly are present, and the drive to explore the extent and potential value of the deposits is now in full stride. The exploration will not be easy. The physical difficulties of exploring the ocean bottom are great, and institutional problems may prove even harder to overcome. However, there are several positive signs for the progress of this exploration. The Reagan Administration, which has pruned the government's R&D budget, seems amenable to providing ...