Work

Preliminary Assessment of Environmentally Friendly Mining Options Based on Various Mineral Resources—A Case Study of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in Pacific

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Deep-sea polymetallic nodules are associated with rich rare substances, such as rare-earth elements (REEs), Mo, Ti, Te, Li, which are currently in demand and are used in various applications. Deep-sea sediments near nodules are another important source of REEs, which will increase the resource potential of polymetallic nodules. Given the similarity of the mining technologies for deep-sea REEs and polymetallic nodules, this study proposed environmentally friendly mining options and developed a technoeconomic evaluation model by combining deep-sea polymetallic nodules and REEs. Using the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone as an example, this study revealed that the development of polymetallic nodules together with REEs of nearby sediments in the form of by-products will improve the economic and environmental benefits. In addition, the effects of discount rate, cost, and price on the economic benefits of nodule mining were discussed, and a technical development direction was proposed based on scientific and technological needs.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su16177872

Authors: Chunjuan Wang, Dahai Liu, Jianjun Chen, Chenglong Li, Ying Yu

Institutions: Ministry of Natural Resources, First Institute of Oceanography, Renmin University of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ocean University of China

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728