124
Appendices
development (especially potential changes within the system studied). The following specificities therefore guided the choice of prospective approach and the progress of work.
Development of Marine Mineral Resources: A High Level of Uncertainty
First of all, the study approach has to make the best of emerging knowledge of marine mineral resources and their environments, dealing with their location (with the
relative exception of nodule zones), the intrinsic variability of their mineral wealth
(cf. Chap. 3 of Part 2) and the biological wealth of sites. The creation of a common
language between those involved (research, research and development…) on the
state of knowledge appeared as a prerequisite for the improvement of scientific
knowledge, in particular via the notion of inventory.
Furthermore, the analysis of the relative economic values of the metals contained
in marine mineral resources and the strategic interest of mineral resources by type
of metal require at least two in-depth foresight studies that were not available at
the time of this work
1
: one on the medium and long term appreciation of strategic metals for France (economic, geopolitical, defence-related aspects… according
to resources and uses, and substitution possibilities
2
), and the other on land-based
mineral resources and the recovery possibilities by metal type. Prospective investigation of these aspects was thus conducted taking into account existing foresight
analyses on a European or global scale with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), analyses which only partially meet the requirements and show divergence according to the criteria used. Certain criteria were
documented indicatively by members of the Working Group, until a more in-depth
study on strategic metals can be carried out.
Finally, the potential exploitability of resources is not demonstrated for all aspects (economic, technological, environmental). In terms of technological capacities, the functional capacity of modules required for exploitation taken individually (collection from the seabed, techniques for bringing minerals to the surface,
material management on vessels, transport, processing…), which are available and
require only minor adaptations, should be distinguished from the development of a
complete system, on medium and large scales, incorporating these various modules
and subject to all possible risks, which currently remains at the stage of a pre-demonstrator (for hydrothermal sulphides and nodules; no projects for crusts).
To summarise this first point on marine mineral resources, the necessary knowledge (scientific, technological, biological) remains partial, often specific and localised. Generalisations are therefore risky and controversies high.
1
Launched in early 2011.
2
For instance, substitution between metals within the platinum group for many of their uses.
Appendices
development (especially potential changes within the system studied). The following specificities therefore guided the choice of prospective approach and the progress of work.
Development of Marine Mineral Resources: A High Level of Uncertainty
First of all, the study approach has to make the best of emerging knowledge of marine mineral resources and their environments, dealing with their location (with the
relative exception of nodule zones), the intrinsic variability of their mineral wealth
(cf. Chap. 3 of Part 2) and the biological wealth of sites. The creation of a common
language between those involved (research, research and development…) on the
state of knowledge appeared as a prerequisite for the improvement of scientific
knowledge, in particular via the notion of inventory.
Furthermore, the analysis of the relative economic values of the metals contained
in marine mineral resources and the strategic interest of mineral resources by type
of metal require at least two in-depth foresight studies that were not available at
the time of this work
1
: one on the medium and long term appreciation of strategic metals for France (economic, geopolitical, defence-related aspects… according
to resources and uses, and substitution possibilities
2
), and the other on land-based
mineral resources and the recovery possibilities by metal type. Prospective investigation of these aspects was thus conducted taking into account existing foresight
analyses on a European or global scale with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), analyses which only partially meet the requirements and show divergence according to the criteria used. Certain criteria were
documented indicatively by members of the Working Group, until a more in-depth
study on strategic metals can be carried out.
Finally, the potential exploitability of resources is not demonstrated for all aspects (economic, technological, environmental). In terms of technological capacities, the functional capacity of modules required for exploitation taken individually (collection from the seabed, techniques for bringing minerals to the surface,
material management on vessels, transport, processing…), which are available and
require only minor adaptations, should be distinguished from the development of a
complete system, on medium and large scales, incorporating these various modules
and subject to all possible risks, which currently remains at the stage of a pre-demonstrator (for hydrothermal sulphides and nodules; no projects for crusts).
To summarise this first point on marine mineral resources, the necessary knowledge (scientific, technological, biological) remains partial, often specific and localised. Generalisations are therefore risky and controversies high.
1
Launched in early 2011.
2
For instance, substitution between metals within the platinum group for many of their uses.