Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules

Simulation for the Motion of Polymetallic Nodules in Hydraulic Hoist for Deep Sea Mining

The two-phase flow composed of polymetallic nodules and the fluid in hydraulic hoist for deep sea mining was simulated by the discrete particle method (DPM). The motion of nodule particles was simulated by the particle-motion-resolved model, in which the effects of Saffman lift force and Magnus lift force were included. The collisions between particles as well as between particles and the pipe ...

Threatened by mining, polymetallic nodules are required to preserve abyssal epifauna

Polymetallic nodule mining at abyssal depths in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (Eastern Central Pacific) will impact one of the most remote and least known environments on Earth. Since vast areas are being targeted by concession holders for future mining, large-scale effects of these activities are expected. Hence, insight into the fauna associated with nodules is crucial to support effec...

Toxicity Analysis of Effluent Released During Recovery of Metals from Polymetallic Sea Nodules Using Fish Haematological Parameters

Abyssal fauna of the UK-1 polymetallic nodule exploration area, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, central Pacific Ocean: Mollusca

We present the first DNA taxonomy publication on abyssal Mollusca from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), central Pacific ocean, using material collected as part of the Abyssal Baseline (ABYSSLINE) environmental survey cruise 'AB01' to the UK Seabed Resources Ltd (UKSRL) polymetallic-nodule exploration area 'UK-1' in the eastern CCZ. This is the third paper in a series to provide regional taxon...

Novel benthic foraminifera are abundant and diverse in an area of the abyssal equatorial Pacific licensed for polymetallic nodule exploration

The benthic biota of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ, abyssal eastern equatorial Pacific) is the focus of a major research effort linked to possible future mining of polymetallic nodules. Within the framework of ABYSSLINE, a biological baseline study conducted on behalf of Seabed Resources Development Ltd. in the UK-1 exploration contract area (eastern CCZ, ~4,080 m water depth), we analysed f...