Ocean and Polar Research

Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (한국해양과학기술원)
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Strategies for the Commercial Development of Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits in Consideration of International Progress

해저열수광상 상업개발을 위한 국제동향분석과 국가대응전략

  • 박세헌 (한국해양연구원 해양정책연구실) ;
  • 양희철 (한국해양연구원 해양정책연구실) ;
  • 이문숙 (한국해양연구원 해양정책연구실)
  • Received : 2010.10.27
  • Accepted : 2010.12.08
  • Published : 2010.12.30
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Abstract

Hydrothermal deposits on deep-sea floors are expected to provide potential metal resources for future demands. Korea was recently granted a prospecting licence to undertake exploration for hydrothermal metal deposits in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Kingdom of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean. The Korean Deep Seabed Mining Group (KDSMG), which consists of four Korean companies involved in marine technologies, oil and gas shipping, and smelter industries, has conducted research to evaluate the region's resource potential in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM) of Korea. Here we present and reflect on the exploration results of these companies and their strategic plans. We also evaluate Research and Development (R&D) progress for the commercial development of seafloor hydrothermal deposits. Our own strategies and prospects for the commercial development of this potential resource are also outlined. We do acknowledge that other potentially important information regarding the amount of ore body, the inside structure, and the metal yields have not yet been clarified sufficiently. As such it is necessary to address these problems through experimental R&D and surveys.

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