Ocean mining - 1985

Several reasons for the continuing reduction of activity in ocean mining are presented in the historic context of the 1965 to 1980 governmental, academic and industrial programs. The causes are identified as primarily economic with uncertainties raised by the Law of the Sea Treaty debate and political indecisiveness contributing to restriction of private sector investment. Revitalization of ocean mining is shown to depend upon the jettisoning of the outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the development of a strong exploration data base by Government programs and sponsored research, and the marked improvement of the free world metals market. The inevitability of the eventual development of marine hard minerals is emphasized.