MANGANESE NODULES
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Exploration
4.1
Exploration involves the identification, delineation, and evalua-
tion of deep sea mineral resources and generally requires sophis-
ticated, multipurpose research vessels using advanced technol-
ogies such as deep sea mapping equipment, remotely operated
vehicles, photographic and video systems, and sampling devices.
Manganese nodule exploration typically involves:
• Mapping the bathymetry and sea-floor topography to deter
mine areas that are suitable for nodule occurrence and
future mining operations;
• Determining nodule coverage using high-resolution imagery;
• Nodule sampling to determine grade and confirm nodule
abundance;
Figure 22. Acoustic Survey.
Finder-installed
deep sea camera
Free fall grab
Finder-mounted
power grab
Multi beam
eco sounder
Narrow beam
sounder
Dredge
bucket
Large
gravity
corer
Multiple
corer
Bentic
multi-coring
system
GPS
Sources: adapted from Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation.
• Bulk nodule sampling to obtain sufficient quantities for min-
eral processing studies;
• Geotechnical studies to feed into engineering design for
mining technology;
• Calculating the size and grade of the resource; and
• Carrying out environmental baseline studies and impact
assessments.
Manganese nodules occur over areas of thousands of
square kilometres. To date, the most effective method of
exploration has involved a staged exploration strategy, start-
ing with large broad-scale acoustic surveys and followed by
finer-scale sampling.
