Example of a sea-floor manganese nodule mining system and related sources of potential environmental impact

Description

Example of a sea-floor manganese nodule mining system and related sources of potential environmental impact. Note that while mineral processing (concentrating) is part of the minerals life cycle, it is not specific to deep sea minerals. Thus, here we focus on issues related to deep sea mineral extraction and associated processes only. It should also be noted that an offshore,vessel-based mineral processing facility is not currently considered viable.