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Assessment of Distribution Characteristics of Polymetallic Nodules and Their Implications on Deep-Sea Mining

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Deep-Sea Mining

Abstract

This chapter looks at the distribution characteristics of nodules and associated seafloor features so as to provide this information to the industry for designing a suitable mining system. Further, it also looks at different scenarios emerging from mining rates ranging from 1 to 3 Mt year−1, in order to optimize mining rate while addressing the environmental concerns. It also suggests certain formulae that can be adopted for estimating any deep-sea mineral with necessary modifications.

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  1. CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Dona Paula, 403004, Goa, India

    Rahul Sharma

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  1. Rahul Sharma
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  1. National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India

    Rahul Sharma

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Sharma, R. (2017). Assessment of Distribution Characteristics of Polymetallic Nodules and Their Implications on Deep-Sea Mining. In: Sharma, R. (eds) Deep-Sea Mining. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52557-0_8

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