Minerals: Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts | International Seabed Authority

Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts occur at shallower depths of < 400 to about > 5000 meters in areas of significant volcanic activity. The crusts grow on hard-rock substrates of volcanic origin by the precipitation of metals dissolved in seawater in areas of seamounts, ridges, plateaus and where prevailing currents prevent deposition of unconsolidated sediments and occupy large areas on top of these topography highs. In many cases, the deposits occur within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the countries.

Similar in general composition to the polymetallic nodules, cobalt crusts are attracting investment in exploration for higher cobalt percentage (up to 2 %), platinum (0.0001 %) and Rare Earth Elements (REE) besides Nickel and Manganese.

ISA has entered into five exploration contracts for cobalt-rich crusts with contractors, including JOGMEC (Japan), COMRA (China), Russia, the Republic of Korea and CPRM (Brazil). .

Cobalt-Rich Ferromanganese Crusts Contractors

Contractor	Contract Date	Expiration Date	Sponsoring State	Location	Contract
Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC)	27 Jan 2014	26 Jan 2029	Japan	Western Pacific Ocean	Public Information
China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA)	29 Apr 2014	28 Apr 2029	China	Western Pacific Ocean	Public Information
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation	10 Mar 2015	09 Mar 2030	-	Magellan Mountains, Pacific Ocean
Companhia De Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais	09 Nov 2015	08 Nov 2030	Brazil	Rio Grande Rise, South Atlantic Ocean	Public Information
The Republic of Korea	27 Mar 2018	26 Mar 2033	Republic of Korea	Western Pacific Ocean	Public Information

Contractor

Contract Date

Expiration Date

Contract Extension Expiration

Sponsoring State

Location

Contract

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC)

27 Jan 2014

26 Jan 2029

Japan

Western Pacific Ocean