The Clarion-Cipperton Fracture Zone region:
Since the early 1970’s several consortium became interested in develop seabed mining activities with particular interest the Clarion-Clippertone fracture zone in the North Pacific, where potentially exploitable mineral resources (nickel- and copper-rich manganese nodules, cobalt-rich crusts) were found in abundance.
Until now mining has not yet been taking place since operational costs are still surpassing expected revenues. There is still some technological bottleneck to be transpassed. However, these limitations are expected to be overcome in a short period of time and deep-sea mining has now become an eminent activity that needs to be regulated as regards the environmental impacts on the seabed.ic High Seas.
