Deep Ocean Mining: 1980 Status Report

The 1970 decade witnessed the successful demonstration of two key technical developments required to exploit the deep ocean resource-manganese nodules. The questions "can the nodules be mined?" and "can the metals be removed?" have been answered in the affirmative. Three pilot proof-of-concept mining tests were successfully completed by three of the major international consortia engaged in the determination of the economic feasibility of deep ocean metals mining. The concerns regarding the environmental impact of ocean nodule mining have been considered in depth as part of a cooperative program amongst Government, Industry, Academia and Environmental Groups. The principal result of the NOAA DOMES I&II programs is that there should be no substantial impact by mining activities on the marine environment. A major roadblock to the industrial development of the nodule resource for the past ten years has been the uncertain legal regime under which the nodules can be mined in international waters. Under presently proposed Law of the Sea treaty texts, no commercial investments will take place and the existing industries' R&D will cease. A ray of hope has been the passage of U.S. Domestic Legislation-the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resource Act-which provides the foundation for a legal framework under which industrial investment in ocean mining may have a chance to survive. The critical path in present programs includes the minimum of six years required to obtain permits, etc. for siting a nodule processing plant in the U.S. Excessive regulations and permitting procedures could lead to siting plants outside of the U.S. unless these are reformed and streamlined. Technical progress has been rapid and is far advanced. Industry is poised and ready to proceed subject only to normal business planning and constraints associated with a pioneering venture.