Marine Mineral Research Articles

One-dimensional model for vertical hydraulic transport of high-concentration mineral particles

A novel model is proposed for analyzing high-concentration granular flow systems comprising equally sized spherical particles within vertical, long straight pipelines. This model is specifically tailored for simulating the vertical hydraulic transport of ore particles in marine mining projects. The proposed model treats the granular system akin to a pseudo-fluid and operates through three mechanisms. First, fluid characteristics of the granular system are derived from particle–particle collisions. Second, the resistance exerted by the pipe wall on the granular system is calculated based on the momentum loss of particles during particle–wall collisions. Third, the interaction between individual particles and the surrounding fluid is transformed into an interaction between the carrier fluid and the pseudo-fluid. Additionally, the present work develops a dedicated numerical format and iterative method for solving the one-dimensional two-fluid governing equations. The one-dimensional (1D) model notably enhances computational efficiency and facilitates accurate tracking of high-concentration particles over extended distances within straight pipelines. Notably, the proposed 1D model demonstrates a high degree of predictive accuracy when compared against experimental data as well as results from computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method simulations.

The Temporal Change in Ionised Calcium, Parathyroid Hormone and Bone Metabolism Following Ingestion of a Plant-Sourced Marine Mineral + Protein Isolate in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: An increase in plant-sourced (PS) nutrient intake is promoted in support of a sustainable diet. PS dietary minerals and proteins have bioactive properties that can affect bone health and the risk of fracture. Methods: In a group randomised, cross-over design, this study evaluated the post-ingestion temporal pattern of change in arterialised ionised calcium (iCa), parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) for 4 h following ingestion of a novel supplement (SUPP) containing a PS marine multi-mineral + PS protein isolate. A diurnally matched intake of mineral water was used as a control (CON). Results: Compared to baseline, the change in iCa concentration was 0.022 (95% CI, 0.006 to 0.038, p = 0.011) mmol/l greater in SUPP than CON, resulting in a -4.214 (95% CI, -8.244 to -0.183, p = 0.042) pg/mL mean reduction in PTH, a -0.64 (95% CI, -0.199 to -0.008, p = 0.029) ng/mL decrease in the biomarker of bone resorption, CTX, and no change in the biomarker of bone formation, P1NP. Conclusions: When used as a dietary supplement, or incorporated into a food matrix, the promotion of PS marine multi-mineral and PS protein isolates may contribute to a more sustainable diet and overall bone health.

Anti-Cancer Activity Of The Combination Of Marine Mineral Consentrates And α Mangostin On Prostate Cancer Line DU 145 And HEK 293 By WST-8 Method

Marine mineral concentrates have good activity against normal cells, but are less effective against cancer cells. So in this research, a combination of sea mineral concentrations was carried out with natural ingredients that have anti-cancer potential, one of which was α-mangosteen. This study aims to determine the IC50 of the combination of α-mangosteen, marine mineral concentrate, the combination of α-mangostin & marine mineral concentrate when compared with cisplatin and evaluate the activity of α-mangostin, marine mineral concentrate and the combination of α-mangostin and marine mineral concentrate when compared with ciplatin against the DU 145 and HEK 293 cancer cell lines. The method used was cytotoxicity testing using the WST-8 method. The results of each test substance were α-Mangostin 16.89 ppm, the combination of α-Mangostin-KML with a concentration of 12.5 ppm, namely 1,732 ppm, the combination of α-Mangostin-KML with a concentration of 25 ppm, namely 4,930 ppm, the combination of α-Mangostin- KML with a concentration of 50 ppm 5,194 ppm, and cisplatin 4,649 ppm. The results of data analysis show significant differences for all samples. Conclusion α-Mangostin helps sea mineral concentrate to increase the cytotoxic effect on DU 145 cancer cells and sea mineral concentrate helps reduce the cytotoxic effect of α-Mangostin on normal HEK-293 cells.

Параметры шагающего устройства для добычи полезных ископаемых, рассредоточенных по морскому дну

The purpose of the work is to analyze the aggregates of complexes for the extraction of marine minerals. In particular, the variants of complexes, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. The complex is analyzed, which uses robotic pickers/reclaimers of the walking type to perform mining operations of ferromanganese nodules (FMN) or cobalt-bearing manganese crusts (CMC). Results. The variants of complexes for mining of bottom deposits are analyzed, advantages and disadvantages of different variants are indicated. The device for collecting minerals on the bottom, developed in SPMU, is described, laboratory studies of the model of such a device are considered, the main parameters are presented, the dependence of productivity on the size and time of operations of the cycle of work is indicated. It is determined that for minimal impact on the seabed biota it is necessary to use walking submersibles with an actuator for extraction in the form of rarefaction chambers or a grapple with an impactor (depending on the type of solid minerals). It is shown that the productivity of the walking underwater vehicle varies with the diameter of the rarefaction chamber plates: the optimum plate diameter is 1.5 m. Experimental study of hydrodynamic resistance of “foot” models with different midships cross-section has been carried out. According to the experimental results, the conclusion about the preferred design of the “foot” was made: the cross-section should be a streamlined shape with the smallest drag coefficient cx and have a continuous surface without holes. Experimental studies of tine models movement in water have shown that it is reasonable to use as tine parts the structures without holes, streamlined ellipsoidal shape. Calculations of productivity of mining units when using rope hoisting from the bottom to the ship have shown the necessity of using four or more hoisting devices for realization of the required annual productivity of more than 1 million tons per year. The stages of creating a workable extraction unit including a vessel, vertical lifting device and a system of deep-water collectors require very significant material and monetary costs, so they should be carried out in accordance with the R&D plan and tasks of the relevant ministry and agency and require coordination of efforts of investors, scientists and machine builders.

A Review on Underwater Collection and Transportation Equipment of Polymetallic Nodules in Deep-Sea Mining

In response to the anticipated scarcity of terrestrial land resources in the coming years, the acquisition of marine mineral resources is imperative. This paper mainly summarizes the development of underwater collection and transportation equipment of polymetallic nodules in deep-sea mining. Firstly, the collection equipment is reviewed. The deep-sea mining vehicle (DSMV), as the key equipment of the collection equipment, mainly includes the collecting device and the walking device. The micro and macro properties of sediments have a great influence on the collection efficiency of mining vehicles. For the collecting device, the optimization of the jet head structure and the solid–liquid two-phase flow transport of the hose are discussed. The structure of the walking device restricts mining efficiency. The optimization of the geometric structure is studied, and the geometric passability and lightweight design of the walking device are discussed. Secondly, the core of transportation equipment is the lifting device composed of a riser and lifting pump. In order to explore the key factors affecting mineral transport, the lifting device is summarized, and the design optimization of the lifting pump and the factors affecting the stability of the riser are discussed. Then, the relationship between each device is discussed, and the overall coupling of the device is summarized. Finally, the existing problems and future research focus are summarized.

International Law to be Considered in the Development of Marine Minerals in the Ocean Areas under National Jurisdictions

International Law to be Considered in the Development of Marine Minerals in the Ocean Areas under National Jurisdictions

Diversity, spatial distribution and evolution of inactive and weakly active hydrothermal deposits in the TAG hydrothermal field

Introduction: Although, there is an increasing focus on inactive or extinct seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits driven by the possibility of marine mining, only few studies have been devoted to them so far. The Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field is probably one of the best-studied hydrothermal systems even if the relict SMS deposits known since the mid-1980s have not been thoroughly explored.Objectives: The main objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of these so-called inactive sites.Methods: During four different expeditions, we acquired high-resolution acoustic data and performed numerous human occupied vehicle (HOV) dive operations including extensive rock sampling and in-situ temperature measurements.Results and Discussion: We discovered thirteen new hydrothermal mounds including six large (i.e. > 5,000 m2) deposits making the TAG hydrothermal field one of the largest accumulation of hydrothermal materials (21.1 Mt) known on the seafloor. However, copper and zinc grades of the largest SMS deposits remain low (i.e. < 1.4 wt%) even compared to on-land volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. Additionally, eight areas of diffuse hydrothermal fluid flow were identified challenging the presumed inactivity of these SMS deposits and, for the first time, emphasizing the importance of low temperature (LT) hydrothermal activity in whole the TAG field. Inactive and weakly active SMS deposits exhibit a large diversity of surface mineralization (e.g. sulfides, Fe-Mn mineralization, jasper) illustrating complexity of hydrothermal activities but also different ageing history. Several mounds no longer have visible sulfide chimneys and are covered by a widespread layer of manganese and iron oxyhydroxides attesting the longevity of diffuse fluid flow at specific locations even long after last high-temperature (HT) hydrothermal activity has ceased. This contrasts with SMS deposits that are devoid of extensive LT precipitates but characterized by standing or topped sulfide chimney indicating a relatively abrupt cessation of HT hydrothermal activity.Conclusion: Together these results allow us to propose evolution models to explain the diversity of active, weakly active and inactive SMS deposits in the TAG hydrothermal field.

Research on numerical simulation method for 3D marine direct current resistivity

As one of the most important methods in marine electromagnetic exploration, the marine direct current (DC) resistivity method has been widely used in the exploration of marine minerals, oil and gas, as well as in large-scale engineered geological exploration and other fields. Efficient and high-precision forward algorithms are the foundation for an accurate quantitative interpretation of the marine DC resistivity method. We have implemented an efficient and high-precision forward modeling approach for 3D marine DC resistivity. First, the wave number domain anomalous potential control equations are obtained by performing a 2D Fourier transform along the horizontal direction based on the differential control equations satisfied by the marine DC anomalous potential. Instead of directly solving the 3D numerical simulation problem, we transform the 3D numerical simulation problem into multiple 1D numerical simulation problems in the wavenumber domain by dimensionality reduction for computational efficiency. Second, the boundary conditions of the governing equations are given to obtain the corresponding boundary value problems, and the anomalous potential is solved using the 1D finite element method in the wavenumber domain. Next, we perform a 2D inverse Fourier transform on the wave-number domain anomalous potential to obtain the spatial domain anomalous potential. Furthermore, compact operators are used to iteratively modify the potential and obtain high-precision numerical solutions. Finally, we demonstrate the correctness of the proposed algorithm’s solution strategy by using a hierarchical ocean model, and the efficiency of the proposed algorithm by using a spherical model.

Scheme design and flow performance analysis of double-bits combination wire-line coring technology for seafloor drill

In order to meet the requirement of high-quality samples for evaluating marine mineral resources reserves, a double-bits combination wire line coring scheme for seafloor drill is proposed. The Bernoulli math model reflecting the drilling fluid pressure variation inside the drilling tool is established. The influence of the drilling tool’s water circuit parameters on the drilling fluid pressure variation is clarified. The drilling fluid’s flow performance during the drilling process is analyzed. The drilling performance of this scheme is tested through engineering application. The application results indicate that: When the inner tube bit’s water channel cross-section A1 reaches 30mm2, A2 reaches 20mm2 and the A3 reaches 20mm2, the drilling fluid pressure ΔP in the drilling tool tends to stabilize. The influence of PVC tube outside diameter d8 on drilling fluid pressure ΔP is small within the allowable design range of 62–65mm. The simulation results show a high-speed area in the first section of the water channel in the inner tube bit. Selecting pump displacement in 50–90 L/min has more engineering application value. The engineering application in complex seabed strata shows that the average core sampling rate is more than 85% within the pump displacement of 50-90 L/min and rotation speed of 350–450 r/min.

Nano-Mineralogy and Mineralization of the Polymetallic Nodules from the Interbasin of Seamounts, the Western Pacific Ocean

Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) polymetallic nodules are significant marine mineral resources containing various metal elements of substantial economic and scientific research value. Previous studies have primarily focused on the mineralogy and geochemistry of the nodules, while research on their nano-mineralogy is still lacking. In this study, we conducted scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) porous structure gas adsorption/desorption, and specific surface area analysis to examine the nano-mineralogy and mineralization of the polymetallic nodules from the interbasin of seamounts in the western Pacific Ocean (IBSWP). The results indicate that the growth profiles of the IBSWP polymetallic nodules exhibit microstructural features such as laminated, stromatolithic, columnar, and mottled structures. The mineral compositions are primarily composed of Fe-Mn minerals and detritus, including quartz; minerals from the feldspar group; and minerals from the clay group. The Fe-Mn phase minerals are relatively poorly crystallized. The Mn-phase minerals contain vernadite and small amounts of todorokite, buserite, and birnessite, while the Fe-phase minerals are mainly comprised of amorphous FeOOH. The main ore-forming minerals consist of nano-minerals, and the nanostructures of the polymetallic nodules endow them with unusually large specific surface areas and pore volumes, resulting in strong adsorption properties. The unique nano-properties and surface/interface adsorption effects of Fe-Mn minerals play a crucial role in controlling the enrichment of ore-forming elements.

Gauss-Newton inversion with node-based basis functions: Application to imaging of seabed minerals in an area with rough bathymetry

The Gauss-Newton method has good convergence properties when used for the solution of seismic and electromagnetic inversion problems. One main issue is the high numerical cost. The numerical cost can be reduced if the optimization domain can be decoupled from the simulation domain such that the number of optimization parameters is much smaller than the number of grid nodes required for accurate simulation results. Overparameterization can be avoided. The decoupling can be achieved in a rigorous manner with the use of node-based basis functions. We provide a generic derivation of the method that is easily specialized for seismic and electromagnetic problems. The transformations between the optimization domain and the simulation domain are most effective if both domains can be described by rectilinear grids. A variable seabed depth causes difficulty. We introduce a transform from the true bathymetry to a flat seabed that solves this problem. The method is validated by application to synthetic and real electromagnetic data sets. The real data are acquired at the slow spreading Mohns Ridge located east of Greenland and southwest of Svalbard. We provide a discussion on the interpretation of these data for an inverse scheme using the transverse isotropy with a vertical symmetry axis approximation. We offer some insights on how to interpret inversion results in the case of exploration for marine minerals. The interpretation differs from a hydrocarbon exploration setting owing to the presence of vertical conductors due to the formation water circulation and vertical resistors due to volcanic intrusions.

Automated Seafloor Massive Sulfide Detection Through Integrated Image Segmentation and Geophysical Data Analysis: Revisiting the TAG Hydrothermal Field

AbstractAccessible seafloor minerals located near mid‐ocean ridges are noticed to mitigate the projected metal demands of the net‐zero energy transition, promoting growing interest in quantifying the global distributions of seafloor massive sulfides (SMS). Mineral potentials are commonly estimated using geophysical and geological data that lastly rely on additional confirmation studies using sparsely available, locally limited, seafloor imagery, grab samples, and coring data. This raises the challenge of linking in situ confirmation data to geophysical data acquired at disparate spatial scales to obtain quantitative mineral predictions. Although multivariate data sets for marine mineral research are incessantly acquired, robust, integrative data analysis requires cumbersome workflows and experienced interpreters. We introduce an automated two‐step machine learning approach that integrates the mound detection through image segmentation with geophysical data. SMS predictors are subsequently clustered into distinct classes to infer marine mineral potentials that help guide future exploration. The automated workflow employs a U‐Net convolutional neural network to identify mound structures in bathymetry data and distinguishes different mound classes through the classification of mound architectures and magnetic signatures. Finally, controlled source electromagnetic data are utilized together with in situ sampling data to reassess predictions of potential SMS volumes. Our study focuses on the Trans‐Atlantic Geotraverse area, which is among the most explored SMS areas worldwide and includes 15 known SMS sites. The automated workflow classifies 14 of the 15 known mounds as exploration targets of either high or medium priority. This reduces the exploration area to less than 7% of the original survey area from 49 to 3.1 km2.

Applications of discrete computation in paleoclimate systems

Applications of discrete computation in paleoclimate systems In this earth climate system focus, Michael R. Gipp, Acting President from Marine Mining Corp, details the applications of discrete computation in paleoclimate systems. This paper introduces some concepts of the application of discrete computation in characterizing paleoclimatic systems. Such systems have chaotic inputs at different time and spatial scales. The methodology presented in this article was influenced by Crutchfield’s (1994) e-machine constructions, which were devised to characterize emergent behaviour in complex systems and appeared in Gipp (2022).

A roadmap for sustaining marine minerals as the green economy transitions to the blue economy

This study looks at the impact of green economy activities on marine mineral conservation, emphasizing the critical significance of circular processes in building a sustainable blue economy. The research assesses the long-term viability of European blue economies using six indicators, including the value provided by the extraction of petroleum and natural gas and support activities for mining and quarrying projects. Municipal trash generation per capita and the amount of biowaste in recycling are used to determine circular effectiveness. According to the findings, a robust green economy performance is critical for increasing the sustainability of Europe's blue economy between 2012 and 2019. The link between the green and blue economies is nonlinear, with positive benefits shown when the green economy exceeds a particular threshold. Furthermore, the study validates these findings by investigating the impact of the green economy on ocean energy and marine minerals. These empirical findings have important significances for European authorities and policymakers aiming to effectively implement green programs in order to advance toward a sustainable blue economy and preserve marine mineral levels.

Use of marine minerals obtained through an innovative process with added silver for the cultivation and protection of Solanum lycopersicum

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of (FertilTomix: a product based on minerals and organic molecules from the sea) obtained from an innovative extraction process and its ability to increase plant defence capabilities following the addition of silver to seeded Solanum lycopersicum plants. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in January 2023, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on Solanum lycopersicum cv “Siccagno”. The plants were placed in ø 24 cm pots; 30 plants per thesis, divided into 3 replicas of 10 plants each. The experimentation was divided into two parallel trials, one concerning the growth and biostimulation of tomato plants. The second experiment, instead, concerned the use of sprayed FertilTomix in the protection from pathogenic fungi (Phytophthora infestans, Leivellula taurica). On August 28, 2023, plant height (measured at 70 days after transplanting), plant nodes (measured at 70 days after transplanting), leaf area index, total dry biomass, fruit fresh weight and total fruit number have been evaluated. In addition, plants affected by diseases were counted. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, irrespective of the extraction process, was able to significantly increase total plant growth, berry yield and weight, and reduce the mortality of Solanum lycopersicum plants. As found in the experiment in the treated theses, a significant increase in plant height and number of nodes per plant was noted, as well as a significant increase in total LAI. Differences were also noted between FertilTomix as such and FertilTomix enriched with silver; the former product worked better in the vegetative and root stimulation of the plants, while the product enriched with silver defended the plants better against attacks by Phytipthora infestans and Leivellula taurica. The use of this product is very interesting especially for those places where there is no water for irrigation and where fertilisers are scarce. The use of this product could obviate both problems. There are as yet no cost-effective technologies and processes in the world that can extract useful minerals from seawater for plant fertilisation and recycle the process water that can be used for irrigation. Conclusions: The test demonstrated a significant effect on plant growth after the application of certain extracts obtained from an innovative process of extracting minerals from seawater. In addition, it emerged that the product could also be used for plant protection when enriched with silver. This product would be very useful especially in countries where water resources and fertilisers are scarce, with the possibility of producing them on site through innovative facilities.

A near-zero waste process for the full-component utilization of deep-sea polymetallic nodules based on reductive leaching with SO2 followed by separation and recovery

Recovery of critical metals from marine minerals is a promising option to ensure the sustainable supply of critical metals, but existing recovery processes suffer from technical bottlenecks in terms of low resource utilization and large waste discharge. This paper presents a complete hydrometallurgical route for the full-component utilization of deep-sea polymetallic nodules (DPN). Leaching experiments were first carried out in the presence of SO2 because cheap SO2 can destroy the original mineral structure based on a reductive mechanism. The leaching efficiencies of Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, La, Ce, and Fe were reached 99.2%, 99.3%, 98.7%, 95.9%, 95.3%, 95.4%, and 91.4%, respectively, under the optimal conditions of 30 °C, L/S ratio of 6:1 mL/g, H2SO4 dosage of 37.5 wt%. The downstream process aimed at the sequential recycling of metal ions from the pregnant leach solution (PLS) consists of Fe recovery by the hematite process, selective solvent extraction of Cu and rare earth elements (REEs), co-extraction of Ni/Co/Mn, and Mn electrowinning. As a result, high-grade hematite (60 wt% of Fe), industrial-grade CuSO4, mixed rare earth oxides, battery-grade (Ni, Co, Mn)SO4 solution, and electrolytic manganese were obtained. During the whole process, the recovery efficiency of Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, La, Ce, and Fe reached 97.1%, 97.1%, 96.9%, 91.5%, 91.1%, 91.1%, and 91.3%, respectively. Since the hydrometallurgical process achieves the resource utilization of all the DPN constituents, it has the advantages of near-zero waste and low energy consumption.

Factors controlling rare earth element plus yttrium enrichment in Fe[sbnd]Mn crusts from Canary Islands Seamounts (NE Central Atlantic)

Marine minerals are important because concentrate in their structure high contents of strategic and critical elements as rare earth elements. Forty-two samples from eight seamounts of Canary Islands Seamount Province (CISP) have been analyzed in order to evaluate their rare earth elements plus yttrium contents (REY). Highest contents of REY are related to hydrogenetic minerals and essentially Fe-vernadite (on average 3000 μg/g). Diagenetic minerals, on the other hand, show the lowest REY contents with an average content of 260 μg/g. These differences also depend on the growth rates, hydrogenetic minerals with growth rates between 0.5 and 5 mm/Ma allow the incorporation of more REY in their structure. REY contents in studied samples varies depending several factors associated with depth and location, shallowest samples presumably growth near or within the oxygen minimum zone are the most enriched with up to 3800 μg/g due to local enrichment of these elements and the slowest growth rate promoted by the reduced ambient conditions while deeper samples around 3000 m water depth show 2800 μg/g. Location also has a role in REY contents essentially due to the presence of different currents. Samples faced to north are exposed to the more oxygenated waters of the North Atlantic Deep Water and are depleted in REY if compared with deeper samples facing to south to the more oxic Antarctic Bottom Water. Finally, the case of study made on three different seamounts of the CISP show that FeMn crusts from this area could provide on average 130 tons of hydrometallurgical recovered REY (based on 1 km2 areal crust coverage) together with interesting quantity of several other strategic and base elements as Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, V, Mo between others.

Metal Recovery from Natural Saline Brines with an Electrochemical Ion Pumping Method Using Hexacyanoferrate Materials as Electrodes.

The electrochemical ion pumping device is a promising alternative for the development of the industry of recovering metals from natural sources-such as seawater, geothermal water, well brine, or reverse osmosis brine-using electrochemical systems, which is considered a non-evaporative process. This technology is potentially used for metals like Li, Cu, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Sr, and others that are mostly obtained from natural brine sources through a combination of pumping, solar evaporation, and solvent extraction steps. As the future demand for metals for the electronic industry increases, new forms of marine mining processing alternatives are being implemented. Unfortunately, both land and marine mining, such as off-shore and deep sea types, have great potential for severe environmental disruption. In this context, a green alternative is the mixing entropy battery, which is a promising technique whereby the ions are captured from a saline natural source and released into a recovery solution with low ionic force using intercalation materials such as Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) to store cations inside its crystal structure. This new technique, called "electrochemical ion pumping", has been proposed for water desalination, lithium concentration, and blue energy recovery using the difference in salt concentration. The raw material for this technology is a saline solution containing ions of interest, such as seawater, natural brines, or industrial waste. In particular, six main ions of interest-Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, and SO42--are found in seawater, and they constitute 99.5% of the world's total dissolved salts. This manuscript provides relevant information about this new non-evaporative process for recovering metals from aqueous salty solutions using hexacianometals such as CuHCF, NiHCF, and CoHCF as electrodes, among others, for selective ion removal.

Impacts of offshore wind power development on China's marine economy and environment: A study from 2006 to 2019

Utilizing a fixed-effects model and the Difference-in-Differences method, this research delves into the significant impacts of Offshore Wind Power development on China's marine economy, based on data from 2006 to 2019 across 11 coastal provinces. The findings reveal that with each 1 MW (MW) increase in the installed capacity of Offshore Wind Power, the marine output value rises by 58.71 million yuan. Further analysis shows that the Gross Domestic Product of the primary marine industry, encompassing sectors such as fisheries, grows by 4.2 million yuan. Concurrently, the secondary marine industry, which includes marine mining, sea salt, and chemical industries, sees an increase of 42 million yuan. The economic ramifications of Offshore Wind Power development are evident across three stages defined by installation capacity. In the initial stage, with installations below 1767.28 MW, the marine economy thrives. The intermediate stage, marked by capacities between 1767.28 MW and 3634.46 MW, faces challenges, mainly due to the coastal regions' limited capacity for integration. Conversely, the advanced stage, with installations surpassing 3634.46 MW, observes a revival in marine economic growth. Environmentally, the marine ecosystem encounters challenges during the installation phase but improves during the operational phase. Given these insights, it is recommended that China to expedite Offshore Wind Power development, refine its layout, and prioritize environmental conservation throughout its lifecycle.

Extraction of various valuable elements from oceanic manganese nodules using coal gasification slag via reduction roasting-acid leaching process

In line with the concept of coal gasification slag treatment and marine mineral exploitation, this research proposed a residual carbon roasting-acid leaching process to extract various valuable metals from oceanic manganese nodules. The residual carbon obtained from coal gasification coarse slag was enriched via gravity separation without chemical treatment, and this carbon-high product served as an inexpensive reducing agent. The feasibility of carbon-high reduction of oceanic manganese nodules was explored using a thermogravimetric-mass spectrometric coupling system and thermodynamic analysis. The influence of mass ratio, roasting time, and roasting temperature on the reduction effect of oceanic manganese nodules was examined, and optimal conditions were determined through orthogonal tests. The results demonstrated that under the optimized conditions, the leaching rate of Mn exceeded 98%, and that of Cu, Co, and Ni exceeded 96%. The reduction and leaching processes were elucidated at the crystal scale through various ways. Finally, a comprehensive process flow diagram was summarized for the extraction of various valuable metals from oceanic manganese nodules using the residual carbon roasting-acid leaching process. This research will pave the way for the design of cost-effective and sustainable roasting reductants and reduction roasting processes for manganese oxide ores, contributing to economic and environmental benefits.