Marine Mineral Research Articles

The influence of the structural distribution and hardness of mineral phases on the size and shape of rock drilling particles

Rock drilling is a significant activity widely used in the exploration of marine mineral resources and offshore civil engineering such as marine mining, petroleum and deep-water drilling. The characteristics of size and shape of particles produced during rock drilling influence drilling efficiency and energy consumption. We report a series of drilling experiments on sandstone, limestone and shale to systematically examine particle size distribution and shape and correlate these with original rock structure and composition. Correlations are established via metrics of particle size distribution, average circularity and specific surface area. Impact breakage and contact abrasion of individual particles during rock drilling are the main mechanisms controlling particle size and shape. Impact breakage is controlled by the structural distribution of mineral phases, while contact abrasion is principally related to the hardness of mineral phases. The particle size distribution is affected by the structural distribution of mineral phases. The average circularity of the drilling particles is mainly controlled by the hardness of mineral phases. The specific surface area of rock drilling particles is determined by both structural distribution and hardness of mineral phases – with homogeneous structure and low average hardness of the phases reducing the resulting specific surface area of the drilling products.

Variations in felsic- versus mafic-sources in the Western Nordic Seas during MIS 1 to MIS 4

The goal of this paper is to employ quantitative methods to: first, describe the spatial variations in the quantitative non-clay and clay mineral composition of seafloor (surface) sediments; secondly, use those data to describe the temporal variations in mineral compositions of nine cores that extend (variously) between the present-day and ~85 ka BP; and thirdly, describe regional variations in the transport of felsic- versus mafic-rich glacial marine sediments at four sites close to Denmark Strait. K-mean clusters of recent seafloor samples (n = 156) distinguished four mineral facies, which characterize a range of mafic to felsic compositions. These samples serve as a training set to identify the down-core mineral facies in eight cores (n = 1053); the degree of provenance mixing is measured by fuzzy clustering on an unsupervised cluster analysis. Classification Decision Trees validate the mineral facies (only 6% misclassified) and indicate that variations in the weight % of pyroxene are of primary importance in defining cluster membership. Mineral compositions identify two end member core sites JM07-174GC (Greenland Sea) and LO9-18 (Reykjanes Ridge), while the cores north and south of the Greenland-Faroes Ridge (cores PS2644, MD99-2274, -2280, and -2323) are a mixture of mafic-rich and felsic-rich mineral facies. Variations in magnetic susceptibility and quartz wt% exhibit coherent runs of values above or below their medians in three of the cores occurred, indicating that these cannot be ascribed to random variations (p < .0001); they indicate the intermittent deposition of felsic-rich sediments to sites which today have ≤5 wt% quartz in surface sediments. Quartz-rich and low magnetic susceptibility intervals document increased glacially derived sediment transport most probably from NE Greenland and transported in the East Greenland Current. Comparison with the NGRIP isotope record indicates that the regional marine mineral sediment deposition is temporally variable.

Underwater routing protocols: Analysis of link selection challenges

The sensor nodes deployed in underwater environment has different routing mechanism in contrast to the terrestrial network. Getting underwater data on pollution detection, control of the ecosystem, marine mining, catastrophe avoidance and strategic surveillance thereby demands smooth packet transmission which can only be possible through a stable and astute communication link between sensor nodes. Therefore, selecting best link between source and destination node is a key challenge. The meticulous research has been conducted to search out the best link selection mechanism of bodacious underwater routing protocol EnOR, SURS‐PES and USPF; and recommended the protocol that offers a shrewd communication link. The performance has been evaluated through NS2 simulation for packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, network lifespan and network energy consumption.

Deep-sea observation for environmental impact assessment : for the development of marine mineral resources

Deep-sea observation for environmental impact assessment : for the development of marine mineral resources

The early stages of ferromanganese ore genesis on the guyots of the Magellan Seamounts (The Pacific Ocean)

Fe-Mn crusts play an important role in marine mineral deposit research because of their widespread occurrence and high concentrations of valuable and rare metals. Most Fe-Mn crust deposits occur on the tens of thousands of seamounts found in the ocean. Data on the structure, texture, composition, age, and deposit characteristics will help define which factors are key for the creation of mineral accumulation and which combination of factors leads to the formation of potentially economic concentrations of metals. In this paper, we address the structure and characteristics of the oldest Fe-Mn crust stratigraphic sections (Late Cretaceous and Paleocene) collected from the Magellan seamounts. A complete section of the crusts on the Magellan Seamounts includes four layers, each 2—4 cm thickness: the Late Paleocene (?) Early Eocene layer I 1, the Mid Late Eocene layer I—2, the Miocene layer II and the Quaternary layer III. In some cases, the main CMC section is underlain by relict layers. The chemical and mineral composition of the layers was determined both by X-ray diffraction and precision methods; concentrations of the main ore components and phosphorus were determined by the methods of classical chemistry. The age of 12 samples was determined, the mineral composition of four, the chemical composition of 22 samples. The results of the relict layers analysis allow to distinguish two groups of samples among them. Among the relict layers, two age ranges are established — the second half of Late Cretaceous (R1) and the first half of Paleocene (R2). High concentrations of barium, lithium, gallium, and zinc suggest that hydrothermal sources could be the source of the material. But not through direct delivery, but via the phase of transfer of sea bottom water. Thus, the analysis of lithological and geochemical parameters and fossil fauna of foraminifera in the relict layers of the Magellan Seamounts ore section indicates two stages of their formation: Late Campan Maastricht and Early Middle Paleocene. The discreteness of the formation of relict layers in time once again proves that the sharply changing environmental conditions controlled the growth of the CMC ore section.

Characteristics of ore deposits for marine mineral resources investigated by JOGMEC since 2014

Characteristics of ore deposits for marine mineral resources investigated by JOGMEC since 2014

Lessons for blue degrowth from Namibia\u2019s emerging blue economy

Globally there has been recognition that there is little consensus attributed to the definition of the blue economy. However, despite this acknowledgement, the blue economy is championed for its development potential by the African Union and subsequently, several African states. Having formalised the agenda in its fifth National Development Plan Namibia is working to implement a governance and management framework to “sustainably maximise benefits from marine resources” by 2020 (Republic of Namibia in Namibia’s 5th National Development Plan (NDP5) 2017). Concurrently, new entrants, such as marine mineral mining projects, have emerged in recognition of the potential offered within the state’s Exclusive Economic Zone. This article argues that the uptake of the blue economy is shaped by multiple, and often conflicting, interests. The emergence of the agenda is not apolitical, nor has it been established in isolation from exogenous actors and interests. Subsequently, this article suggests that the critique of the emerging blue economy should be applied to discussions of a blue degrowth movement, to avoid transposing a new agenda over another. As demonstrated with reference to Namibia, contextual and historical issues need to be recognised by degrowth discussions, and their inherent and continued structural effects analysed. This is of particular importance when considering whose voices are represented or excluded by such agendas, complicated by the (geo)physical characteristics of the marine sphere.

Preliminary Observations of the Abyssal Megafauna of Kiribati

We report on preliminary observations of the abyssal megafauna communities in the exclusive economic zone of Kiribati, a huge abyssal area with few previous studies. These observations also provide useful context for marine minerals exploration within the EEZ and for the neighbouring Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), where deep-sea mining operations are planned. Seafloor images collected during seabed mining exploration were used to characterise megafaunal communities (fauna > 1 cm) in three abyssal plain areas in the eastern Kiribati EEZ (study area extending from 1-5°N and 173-156°W). Additionally, hydrographic features in each of the survey locations were inferred by reference to near-seabed current flows modelled using open-sourced oceanographic data. The images showed a dominance of foraminiferal organisms. Metazoan communities were high in morphospecies richness but had low density. These general patterns were comparable to abyssal megabenthic communities in the CCZ. There was evidence of spatial variation between the assemblages in Kiribati, but there was a relatively large pool of shared morphospecies across the entire study area. Low metazoan density constrained detailed assessment of spatial variation and diversity at local scales. This finding is instructive of the levels of sampling effort required to determine spatial patterns in low density abyssal communities. The results of this study are preliminary observations that will be useful to guide future biological survey design and marine spatial planning strategies.

Hydrography of a shelf ecosystem inshore of a major Western Boundary Current

The Agulhas Current, the largest Western Boundary Current in the Southern Hemisphere, strongly influences the oceanographic conditions of its adjacent shelf system. As a result of limited societal drivers, such as large-scale fisheries and marine mining, the South African southeast shelf, between Port Elizabeth and Port Shepstone, is one of the least studied and under-sampled shelf systems in Southern Africa. This study describes hydrographic conditions from the first two shelf-wide high-resolution surveys (January/February and July/August 2017) of this region. These data provide a baseline of environmental conditions and hydrographic processes across the shelf. The Agulhas Current, as well as cyclonic mesoscale eddies along the inshore edge of the Current, were observed to strongly drive conditions on the shelf. Substantial differences in the impacts of these cyclonic eddies were evident, with the smaller less intense January/February eddy inducing much stronger upwelling than the larger more intense July/August eddy. Indications of seasonality in temperature, salinity and chlorophyll-a were observed in the surface layers. Surface waters were 4 °C warmer in January/February than in July/August. Considerably lower salinities (33.77 g kg−1) were observed in January/February as a result of high rainfall and subsequent increased river outflow. Upwelling mechanisms such as divergence-induced upwelling, Ekman veering in the bottom boundary layer, Ekman pumping associated with cyclonic eddies, were observed to uplift colder, nutrient-rich water from deeper layers onto the mesotrophic shelf. These colder waters ultimately reached the surface as a result of wind-driven Ekman transport and vertical mixing. Tropical Surface Water, Subtropical Surface Water and South Indian Central Water were observed on the shelf. Red Sea Water as well as Antarctic Intermediate Water generally occupied the slope regions except where cyclonic eddies uplifted intermediate waters onto the shelf. The shelf-wide dissolved oxygen levels (>3 ml l−1) suggested that oxygen availability adequately facilitated the survival of the existing shelf biology.

Extensive Coverage of Marine Mineral Concretions Revealed in Shallow Shelf Sea Areas

Ferromanganese (FeMn) concretions are mineral precipitates found on soft sediment seafloors both in the deep sea and coastal sea areas. These mineral deposits potentially form a three-dimensional habitat for marine organisms, and contain minerals targeted by an emerging seabed mining industry. While FeMn concretions are known to occur abundantly in coastal sea areas, specific information on their spatial distribution and significance for marine ecosystems is lacking. Here, we examine the distribution of FeMn concretions in Finnish marine areas. Drawing on an extensive dataset of 140,000 sites visited by the Finnish Inventory Programme for the Underwater Marine Environment (VELMU), we examine the occurrence of FeMn concretions from seabed mapping and use spatial distribution modelling techniques to estimate the potential coverage of FeMn concretions. Using seafloor characteristics and hydrographical conditions as predictor variables, we demonstrate that the extent of seafloors covered by concretions in the northern Baltic Sea is larger than anticipated, as concretions were found at ~7000 sites, and were projected to occur on over 11 % of the Finnish sea areas. These results provide new insights into seafloor complexity in coastal sea areas, and further enable examining the ecological role and resource potential of seabed mineral concretions.

Sustainable Development of Marine Mineral Resources

Sustainable Development of Marine Mineral Resources

The Full or Partial Replacement of Commercial Marine Engine Oil with Bio Oil, on the Example of Linseed Oil

Abstract The bio-oils are considered to sustainable, alternative and environmentally friendly source of lubricants compared to commercial engine oils, on the base a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic. They are obtained from natural raw material (vegetable or animal oils), which are renewable and non-toxic to humans, living organisms and environment. The vegetable oils called green oils, natural oils, bio-oils or natural esters. They can be obtained from plant seeds, that may be consumed – edible oils (for instance: rapeseed oil) or which cannot be consumed – inedible (for example: linseed oil). The conducted research into linseed oil and its different quantity additives (25% and 50%) to commercial marine mineral oil intended for a medium-speed 4-stroke, trunk marine engine (i.e. Marinol RG 1240). The flash point and dependence of viscosity and temperature were compared and assess. It has been proven that vegetable oils have a high ignition temperature and very small viscosity change in the range of temperatures presented, i.e. high viscosity index. According to the results, it can be recommended the addition of 25% linseed oil in the base lubricant is the relevant for lubricating a medium speed 4-stroke marine engine. The vegetable additives can improve a viscosity index a lube oil, and they will be positively affected environmental protection.

ANALISIS ARTIKEL ILMIAH BIDANG ILMU MARITIM DALAM MENDUKUNG REPOSITORI NASIONAL

The aim of this research are to find out: (1) data proceed from database with the topic maritime and marine that can access by the user through the OPAC: (2) precision of the data in database: (3) the precision between data proceed by the standard tabulation of literature (keyword) and title in database; (4) the precision between data was inputed with content and metadata field. Result of the extract data from ISJD is descriptor (keyword) Maritime Field (25 pieces keyword from 609 article title) tabulated and made the matrix by excel office. Data that have been collected will be validated base on the recall result, and the precision it will be analyzed descriptively. It found that in Maritime field the descriptor used as keyword was 25 pieces. The keywords were: marine alga as food, ocean mining, marine park and reserves, marine chemical ecology, marine biodiversity, marine law, maritime policy, maritime industry, marine mineral resources, maritime safety, marine biological diversity, loading and unloading, marine ecosystem, marine resources, marine pharmacology, marine resources conservation, marine ecology, marine tourism, marine fisheries, marine environmental, ports, marine shipping, marine pollution, maritime law, and marine transportation. The number of article is found based on keywords.

Kebijakan pengelolaan ekosistem laut akibat pertambangan timah di Provinsi Bangka Belitung

Bangka Regency is one of the regions that has the potential of natural resources with abundant tin mineral content. Initially tin mining was mostly carried out on the land, but with the development of the times and depletion of tin sources on the ground began to shift towards the sea. Environmental problems arising from marine mining are increasing, which is exacerbating damage to marine ecosystems, damaged coral reefs, and a decline in fishing production with this decreasing fishermen's income. This study aims to determine the policies of the Bangka Regency Government in the management of marine ecosystems and to know the impact of damage to marine ecosystems due to tin mining. This research uses descriptive qualitative approach method aims to describe the phenomena that occur at this time. The results of this study describe the contents of the marine mining policy as regulated No. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management which aims to ensure the survival of living things and the preservation of ecosystems; Policy benefits; Management of Sea Water Pollution Control which includes: Environmental management objectives, Management Location, Time of Management and Implementers of Management and Management of B3 Waste; and Sea Water Quality Measurement Results. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/pjiap.v4i1.2539

Relationship between geoacoustic properties and chemical content of submarine polymetallic crusts from offshore Brazil

Marine mining is the ocean’s new exploration frontier, and polymetallic crusts (PMCs) and ferromanganese nodules are considered a strategic resource for the future. Acoustic geophysical methods are a valuable tool for oceanic research and have been employed for several decades in the exploration of marine resources and environmental evaluations. The main objective of this work was to investigate the correlation between the chemical composition of PMCs from three different areas along the Brazilian continental margin and their physico-acoustic attributes (P-wave velocity, density and acoustic impedance). The results show that the geoacoustic properties of PMCs are correlated to their chemical composition. Measurements showed positive and negative trends between acoustic impedance and studied elements (Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, W and Ni) according to the direction of measurement, indicting high anisotropy levels. Our study sheds initial light on the correlation between acoustic properties and metal content of PMCs. The study facilitates assessments of the acoustic responses of PMCs allowing more efficient prospection and exploitation compared to ship-board geophysical techniques that are too qualitative to identify PMCs. The results can contribute to determining the best procedures and techniques for more efficient future exploration of this resource.

Existing environmental management approaches relevant to deep-sea mining

Deep-sea mining (DSM) may become a significant stressor on the marine environment. The DSM industry should demonstrate transparently its commitment to preventing serious harm to the environment by complying with legal requirements, using environmental good practice, and minimizing environmental impacts. Here existing environmental management approaches relevant to DSM that can be used to improve performance are identified and detailed. DSM is still predominantly in the planning stage and will face some unique challenges but there is considerable environmental management experience in existing related industries. International good practice has been suggested for DSM by bodies such as the Pacific Community and the International Marine Minerals Society. The inherent uncertainty in DSM presents challenges, but it can be addressed by collection of environmental information, area-based/spatial management, the precautionary approach and adaptive management. Tools exist for regional and strategic management, which have already begun to be introduced by the International Seabed Authority, for example in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Project specific environmental management, through environmental impact assessment, baseline assessment, monitoring, mitigation and environmental management planning, will be critical to identify and reduce potential impacts. In addition, extractive companies’ internal management may be optimised to improve performance by emphasising sustainability at a high level in the company, improving transparency and reporting and introducing environmental management systems. The DSM industry and its regulators have the potential to select and optimize recognised and documented effective practices and adapt them, greatly improving the environmental performance of this new industry.

A Brief Analysis on Data Mining for Deep-Sea Mineral Resources Based on Big Data

Though deeply investigation and analysis in global research status and progress surrounding the key problems like data analysis for deep-sea mineral resources based on big data, the existed scientific problem and development direction is confirmed. The research of data mining for deep-sea mineral resources based on big data is carried on, and the combination of traditional data analysis method and complex algorithm based on big data is explored, so as to search and analysis the new data sets of deep-sea mineral resources or analysis old data sets using new methods. All this attempt will provide the foundation for scientifically and efficiently use of deep-sea mineral resources data and the establishment of combined system for marine mineral resources evaluation based on big data technology.

Preparation and characterization of sericin powder extracted with deep sea water.

In this study, we developed an effective technology for the extraction of sericin from silk cocoons by deep sea water (DSW). We focused on extraction of sericin in the absence of chemical additives to obtain a safe, effective, inexpensive sericin powder. Sericin was extracted using a simple high-temperature process involving heating, condensation with Molus alba, filtering with cotton cloth, cold storage, and lyophilization. The results showed that the yield of sericin (26%) extracted by DSW was approximately 2% higher than that obtained using a chemical buffer (0.2M Na2CO3, 24%). The marine mineral sericin M. alba (MSM) showed a size distribution of 15-250kDa, with major peaks at 75-250kDa with a galactose chain. Additionally, this MSM product had high antioxidant, whitening, and antibiosis effects and could be safely stored for a long time. Thus, our findings supported the use of a DSW extraction method, which was ecofriendly and yielded a proteinous, biodegradable biopolymer, for preparation of sericin.

BUILDING A NATIONAL SAND RESOURCE INVENTORY FOR THE US CONTINENTAL SHELF

The future of coastal resilience or restoration plans which implement natural or nature-based features largely depends upon the identification of proximate and compatible offshore sand and gravel material. BOEM’s Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is multi-faceted, focusing on coordinated leasing of sediment for extraction, inventorying sediment resources through geological and geophysical surveys of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and environmental studies and reviews to inform decisions.&#x0D; &#x0D; However, on a national scale, little is known about the character, quantity, and location of sand resources on the OCS and the habitat it provides for biological communities. BOEM places a high priority on creating a comprehensive national sand resource inventory to meet BOEM’s mandate as stewards of all federal mineral resources on the OCS. This stewardship responsibility will be realized by proactively planning for the increasing demands for OCS resources and emergency needs as they arise.

Chinese legislation in the exploration of marine mineral resources and its adoption in the Arctic Ocean

This paper aims to discuss Chinese legislation in the exploration of marine mineral resources and its adoption in the Arctic Ocean. The journey commences by providing comments on the ‘Law of the People's Republic of China on the Exploration and Development of Resources in the Deep Seabed Area’ and to explore Chinese domestic legislation regulating Chinese enterprises' development activities in the Arctic area. Attention also pays to legislation regulating Chinese and foreign enterprises in the exploitation of mineral resources in China's continental shelf with special concern toward the protection of ecological environment. This paper concludes by suggesting that there is a need to further improve Chinese domestic legislation and draw on advanced legislative experience from various States and international law, in order to provide strong domestic legal protection for exploitation activities.