An artist’s rendering of equipment to vacuum manganese nodules on the seabed. This image was included in a plan submitted by Beijing Pioneer Hi-Tech Development Corp. to the International Seabed Authority. - Image: The Yomiuri Shimbun
TOKYO: A state-owned Chinese company plans to conduct a large mining experiment in international waters in the Pacific Ocean, including an area off Minami-Torishima Island, according to informed sources.
This is believed to be the world’s first such experiment. Highly sophisticated technology is needed to conduct mining on a near-commercial scale at a depth of over 5,000 meters.
