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Environmental Factors for Design and Operation of Deep-Sea Mining System: Based on Case Studies

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Abstract

This chapter brings together environmental factors that are expected to influence the design and operation of deep-sea mining system for polymetallic nodules. The study analyzes possible effects of various environmental factors from nodule-bearing areas in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) and compares it with available data from the Pacific Ocean. Similar applications can be envisaged for different mineral deposits in other ocean basins as well.

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Acknowledgments

This study was carried out under the polymetallic nodule program of Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. The data on atmospheric and sea surface parameters was compiled by Mr. Gagan Deka during his dissertation with the author. Figure 13 is obtained with courtesy from project “EIA studies for polymetallic nodules in CIOB,” National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India.

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  1. CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India

    Rahul Sharma

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  1. CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India

    Rahul Sharma

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Sharma, R. (2019). Environmental Factors for Design and Operation of Deep-Sea Mining System: Based on Case Studies. In: Sharma, R. (eds) Environmental Issues of Deep-Sea Mining. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12696-4_12

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