Mineral resources of the future
Mineral resources of the future
Humanity is in desperate need of discovering new natural resources due to global population growth on the one hand, and on the other hand, strong economic demand of largely populated emerging countries (China, India).
Like energy, mineral resources are a key element in developing economies. The soaring prices of raw materials and metals (nearly 350% in 3 years for copper and zinc) is responsible for seeking new onshore fields, but also in the marine field. Indeed, the ocean covers 71% of the earth (60% above 2000 m depth), but this huge field is still relatively unknown. Its wealth may one day become critical for the global need for energy and raw materials.
Scientific explorations conducted over the last thirty years have identified several geological and geochemical processes leading to the concentration of metals (polymetallic nodules, cobaltiferous crusts and hydrothermal sulfide) and the genesis of the original potential energy resources (methane hydrates, hydrogen) in the deep seabed. These discoveries open new frontiers for research and identification of mineral and energy resources in the oceans. Furthermore, it should be noted that hydrothermal sulfide, nodules, cobaltiferous crusts and synthesis of hydrogen are related to specific submarine processes that have no equivalent on the emergent continental crust.
Depending on the context and nature of substrate involved, Hydrothermal Mineralization can be highly concentrated in copper, zinc, gold, silver, cobalt, lead, barium, but also rarer elements such as cadmium, indium, selenium, antimony, mercury. Due to the increase in boiling temperature with depth, the deeper fluids have a greater ability to transport metals.
The Cobaltiferous Crusts and Polymetallic Nodules , mainly composed of iron oxide and manganese, are especially interesting for their concentration in nickel, cobalt, copper. They can also be enriched in rare metals, platinum, titanium, cerium, zirconium, molybdenum and tellurium.
A particular commitment of France will be required to drive beyond the current mapping effort, investigations to trace and identify mineral resources such as siliceous aggregates and calcareous substances or offshore minerals, and potential energy resources within our EEZ.
