Mining of manganese

Josef Kovář and collective presented a unique technical mining collector solution for  manganese nodules extraction from the seabed. This solution won the first prize by the international commission IOM (Interoceanmetal).

On behalf of this event, Czech Republic received a large territory (almost 75.000 km2) of the seabed in the belt between Clipperton and Clarions shift in the Pacific Ocean, lying between Mexico and Hawaii.

Eventual extraction of these raw materials can be expected in 20 years horizon, apparently in collaboration with a foreign partner.

Polymetallic nodules with a predominance of manganese ores occur in large areas of the ocean floor at depths of 3600-4400 m. In addition, the nodules consist of approximately 50 elements from the Mendeleev's periodic table.

Birnessit is the predominant manganese mineral in depths about 3000 m, todorokit at greater depths. These minerals contain 12.29 - 33.98% Mn, 1.62 - 15.75% iron, 0.097 - 1.080% nickel, between 0.0075 - 0.358% cobalt, 0.061 - 0.711% copper, they also contain lead, barium, molybdenum, vanadium, and chromium. The concentration of the nodules is 10-20 kg/m2.