Influence of distribution characteristics and associated seabed features on exploitation of cobalt-rich manganese deposits

Abstract

Method of exploitation, selection of mine site and desing of mining system of cobalt-rich manganese deposits on seamounts would be greatly influenced by the distribution characteristics as well as the associated seabed features, wuch as the seabed topography, surface morphology and sediment characteristics. An example detailed analysis of the distribution characteristics of crusts, nodules and sediment on a seamount is introduced. On the basis of the results, a case study of their influcences on the mining system is presented