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Preliminary Assessment of Environmentally Friendly Mining Options Based on Various Mineral Resources—A Case Study of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in Pacific

Author

Listed:
  • Chunjuan Wang

    (Key Laboratory of Coastal Science and Integrated Management, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Qingdao 266061, China)

  • Dahai Liu

    (School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

  • Jianjun Chen

    (School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China)

  • Chenglong Li

    (Law School, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Ying Yu

    (Key Laboratory of Coastal Science and Integrated Management, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Qingdao 266061, China)

Abstract

Deep-sea polymetallic nodules are associated with rich rare substances, such as rare-earth elements (REEs), Mo, Ti, Te, Li, which are currently in demand and are used in various applications. Deep-sea sediments near nodules are another important source of REEs, which will increase the resource potential of polymetallic nodules. Given the similarity of the mining technologies for deep-sea REEs and polymetallic nodules, this study proposed environmentally friendly mining options and developed a technoeconomic evaluation model by combining deep-sea polymetallic nodules and REEs. Using the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone as an example, this study revealed that the development of polymetallic nodules together with REEs of nearby sediments in the form of by-products will improve the economic and environmental benefits. In addition, the effects of discount rate, cost, and price on the economic benefits of nodule mining were discussed, and a technical development direction was proposed based on scientific and technological needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chunjuan Wang & Dahai Liu & Jianjun Chen & Chenglong Li & Ying Yu, 2024. "Preliminary Assessment of Environmentally Friendly Mining Options Based on Various Mineral Resources—A Case Study of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in Pacific," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7872-:d:1474594
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