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Comparative Advantages of the Mineral Processing of Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodules over Terrestrial Ores

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Perspectives on Deep-Sea Mining

Abstract

A review of comparative advantages of mineral processing of deep-sea polymetallic nodules over terrestrial ores is attempted. The work conducted as part of Global Sea Mineral Resources’ onshore processing development strategy has contributed to answer the critical questions related to the choice of the flow sheet, the adequateness of the beneficiation of polymetallic nodules, the behavior of nodules with regard to comminution, and how it compares to land-based ores in terms of energy intensity. The results suggest there is an undisputable environmental advantage associated with the comminution of polymetallic nodules as compared to conventional (monometallic) land-based ores, due to their higher grade, polymetallic character, and comminution behavior.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For the comminution results, masses are expressed in short tons. We use “metric ton” when necessary to show the difference.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Global Sea Mineral Resources NV, Oostend, Belgium

    Chris Duhayon & Simon Boel

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  1. Chris Duhayon
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  2. Simon Boel
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Correspondence to Chris Duhayon .

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  1. Former Chief Scientist and Consultant, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India

    Rahul Sharma

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Duhayon, C., Boel, S. (2022). Comparative Advantages of the Mineral Processing of Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodules over Terrestrial Ores. In: Sharma, R. (eds) Perspectives on Deep-Sea Mining. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87982-2_8

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