Russia signs contract to explore for polymetallic sulphides in Atlantic

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has signed a contract with the International Seabed Authority to explore for polymetallic sulphides in the Atlantic Ocean, the Natural Resources Ministry said on Monday, Oct 29, according to RIA Novosti.

The document was signed by Deputy Natural Resources Minister Denis Khramov and International Seabed Authority Secretary General Nit Allotey Odunton.

Russia's efforts to explore for minerals in international seabed areas aims to ensure a balanced development of Russia’s minerals and raw materials base and its long-term geopolitical interests in line with its maritime doctrine, Khramov said at the signing ceremony.

Russia will choose a company for this exploratory effort through tenders, Khramov said.

Deep-sea polymetallic sulphides contain copper, nickel and zinc ores and are largely concentrated in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at a depth of 1,600-8000 feet (1-5 km). The World Ocean’s ore minerals also include cobalt- and manganese-rich crusts and ferro-manganese nodules. Polymetallic sulphide deposits may contain from 1 million to 100 million tons of sulphides, according to expert estimates.