Nodules size: An important factor in nodule mining?

Abstract

A study of about 850 different sized nodules from 234 sites in the Central Indian Basin (CIB) showed a clear inverse relationship between size and grade of nodules. Among the different sized nodules, only the small (less than 2 cm) and medium (2-4 cm) sized fractions have higher grade (Cu + Ni + Co = 2.6 and 2.5%, respectively) and highest weight percentages at every dredge haul. It is probably recommended that in CIB only small nodules will have to be processed after screening by size. In order to minimize ecological and environmental problems, it is emphasized that the nodules should be screened on sea bottom during mining, which may be possible by future technological modification of mining devises