Seabed Mining

This chapter aims at adding to this discussion by comparing metallurgic ores with the other major deep seabed resources phosphorites and gas hydrates. Comparing the subsectors could yield additional insight and information. Deep seabed mining must therefore be considered a significant new and emerging use of the global ocean. It was included in the project of MARIBE as a form of Blue Growth. The chapter describes market trends for the different subsectors. Phosphorites can now be produced at normal market prices and are thereby in competition with the land-based producers. Increasing concerns on both the supply market being dominated by a few suppliers which seems to become more extreme in the future and a need for phosphate rock with a lower cadmium content, urge for new supply source where offshore mining can offer options. The prices of natural gas depend on many factors, including macroeconomic growth rates and expected rates of resource recovery from natural gas wells.