Mining the deep sea | Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Seabed Resources

The ocean floor holds a treasure trove of mineral resources, including polymetallic nodules, seafloor massive sulfides, and cobalt ferromanganese crusts. Renee Grogan explains that these nodules are rich in nickel, cobalt, and copper, essential for battery production and electricity transmission 1. Seafloor massive sulfides, similar to volcanic deposits on land, are high in copper, gold, and silver, while cobalt ferromanganese crusts are rich in cobalt and iron 1. The high-grade nature of these resources offers a significant opportunity for the green economy, as Grogan notes, "The grade of seabed resources is generally higher than the grade of land-based resources" 2.

   

Rich Deposits

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), located between Mexico and Hawaii, is a hotspot for these valuable minerals. Shayle Kann highlights that the CCZ contains more nickel than the entire global terrestrial reserves, presenting a massive opportunity for the energy transition 3. This region's mineral wealth is crucial for meeting the demand for critical metals needed for a low-carbon economy. Grogan emphasizes the importance of these resources, stating, "The size of the resource is really staggering" 4.