ULTRA - Ultramafic-hosted mineral Resource Assessment
Lead Research Organisation:
NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
Department Name: Science and Technology
Abstract
Summary:
Hydrothermal seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits on mid-ocean ridges (MOR) are paradoxical; their size seems to be inverse to the amount of volcanic activity. While hydrothermal SMS are more frequent at fast-spreading MOR, the largest deposits occur where volcanism appears to be a minimum. Here, at so-called amagmatic segments on slow- and ultra-slow spreading ridges, ultramafic rocks from the lower-crust and upper-mantle are exhumed by long-lived faulting; a process that is thought to affect 50% of the length of slow-spreading ridges. Ultramafic-hosted seafloor massive sulphides (muSMS) in these settings form some of the largest deposits known, hosting high metal concentrations of Au, Cu, Ni, E-tech elements (Co, Pt). Whereas the magmatic driving force for volcanic-hosted SMS deposits is well established, it remains contentious for the muSMS. Similarly, while there are models for the sub-surface structure and extent of volcanic-hosted SMS, little is known about muSMS. For some muSMS, vent fluid chemistry indicates the potential for extensive sub-seafloor metal precipitation, possibly by interaction with pH barriers due to serpentinisation of the host rock. Furthermore, the physical, chemical and microbial mechanisms affecting muSMS after their formation are poorly constrained.
Our study aims to test the hypothesis that muSMS deposits form extensive sub-surface mineralisation and undergo significant post-formational modification at and beneath the seafloor under the influence of highly variable pH conditions as a result of interaction with ultramafic rocks and during serpentinisation.
Our plan is to combine novel geophysical techniques (electromagnetic induction and inverted down-hole seismic tomography) with surface mapping and sub-seafloor drilling (recovering host rocks, sulphides, sediment and fluids) to image the 3D structure and composition of the deposit and its surroundings. The mineralogy, geochemistry and isotope signatures of the samples will reveal the paragenetic history of the deposits including formation, recrystallisation, metal mobilisation, alteration and penetration by seawater. Hydrothermal fluid samples will reveal the nature of the heat source driving deposit formation and host-rock interactions and, combined with studies of metalliferous sediment, constrain metal mobility during later alteration. Ages of these processes will be constrained by radiometric dating. Rates of processes will be constrained by in situ and lab-based, abiotic oxidation and microbial alteration experiments. We will draw these observations together using thermo-physio-chemical numerical modelling to construct a coherent understanding of the formation and preservation of these large polymetallic muSMS deposits in todays-oceans. Our approach requires two cruises to the largest known and best characterised muSMS field at 13degrees30minutesN, Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Despite being technically ambitious, our experience from the EU-funded Blue Mining project and the involvement of both academic and industrial partners, contributing in-kind data and costs, significantly de-risks the research.
Hydrothermal seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits on mid-ocean ridges (MOR) are paradoxical; their size seems to be inverse to the amount of volcanic activity. While hydrothermal SMS are more frequent at fast-spreading MOR, the largest deposits occur where volcanism appears to be a minimum. Here, at so-called amagmatic segments on slow- and ultra-slow spreading ridges, ultramafic rocks from the lower-crust and upper-mantle are exhumed by long-lived faulting; a process that is thought to affect 50% of the length of slow-spreading ridges. Ultramafic-hosted seafloor massive sulphides (muSMS) in these settings form some of the largest deposits known, hosting high metal concentrations of Au, Cu, Ni, E-tech elements (Co, Pt). Whereas the magmatic driving force for volcanic-hosted SMS deposits is well established, it remains contentious for the muSMS. Similarly, while there are models for the sub-surface structure and extent of volcanic-hosted SMS, little is known about muSMS. For some muSMS, vent fluid chemistry indicates the potential for extensive sub-seafloor metal precipitation, possibly by interaction with pH barriers due to serpentinisation of the host rock. Furthermore, the physical, chemical and microbial mechanisms affecting muSMS after their formation are poorly constrained.
Our study aims to test the hypothesis that muSMS deposits form extensive sub-surface mineralisation and undergo significant post-formational modification at and beneath the seafloor under the influence of highly variable pH conditions as a result of interaction with ultramafic rocks and during serpentinisation.
Our plan is to combine novel geophysical techniques (electromagnetic induction and inverted down-hole seismic tomography) with surface mapping and sub-seafloor drilling (recovering host rocks, sulphides, sediment and fluids) to image the 3D structure and composition of the deposit and its surroundings. The mineralogy, geochemistry and isotope signatures of the samples will reveal the paragenetic history of the deposits including formation, recrystallisation, metal mobilisation, alteration and penetration by seawater. Hydrothermal fluid samples will reveal the nature of the heat source driving deposit formation and host-rock interactions and, combined with studies of metalliferous sediment, constrain metal mobility during later alteration. Ages of these processes will be constrained by radiometric dating. Rates of processes will be constrained by in situ and lab-based, abiotic oxidation and microbial alteration experiments. We will draw these observations together using thermo-physio-chemical numerical modelling to construct a coherent understanding of the formation and preservation of these large polymetallic muSMS deposits in todays-oceans. Our approach requires two cruises to the largest known and best characterised muSMS field at 13degrees30minutesN, Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Despite being technically ambitious, our experience from the EU-funded Blue Mining project and the involvement of both academic and industrial partners, contributing in-kind data and costs, significantly de-risks the research.
Planned Impact
Impact Summary
'If it can't be grown, it has to be mined'; minerals underpin every aspect of our daily life. They are essential for supporting economic growth, and improving and maintaining quality of life. Demand for minerals is increasing as global population expands and minerals are used in a greater range of applications. The vast majority of minerals are currently derived from mining on land, which represents less than one third of the planet's surface. Set against the general trend of declining terrestrial ore grades and mineral deposit discovery rates, and a requirement to decouple metal production from carbon emissions it is essential to consider new resource types. The vast metal resources of the deep-ocean will be vital for resourcing future generations, and may represent a more sustainable source of supply. However, to meet this challenge new scientific knowledge is required on the magnitude of the metal resource and its global distribution, which relies on understanding mineral deposit evolution and preservation potential. Project ULTRA will have the following specific impacts:
Economic: Demand for metals is increasing and prices are predicted to increase in the medium- to long-term. Stable and secure metal supplies are vital to many industrial sectors (e.g. automotive, aerospace, energy), which are currently highly dependent on imports. There are specific concerns about the security of supply of metals of growing economic importance due to their use in high-technology and green energy applications. Diversification of supply through the exploitation of new and novel resource types (e.g. seafloor massive sulphide deposits) will help reduce supply risk and support economic growth. Huge growth is predicted in the deep-ocean mining sector and the European Commission expects global annual turnover of marine mining to reach about euros10 billion by 2030. The knowledge gained from ULTRA will directly contribute to UK R&D in this sector, improving competitiveness, and potentially attracting future global business.
Environmental: Decarbonisation of energy supply and meeting emission targets is dependent on the deployment of renewable energy technologies, and the development of new transport methods, many of which are highly metal intensive. Improved availability of metals, because of exploiting new sources will facilitate decarbonisation. Mining is currently one of the most energy intensive industrial sectors. Extraction of metals from deep-ocean mineral deposits may use less energy than traditional sources, directly contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. This proposal will improve understanding of the size, mineralogy and metal tenors of these deposits, which is vital for making comparisons with land-based supplies. Our research will also provide new information on the composition and evolution of sea floor mineral deposits and hence their potential environmental impact on adjacent faunal habitats if they are mined.
Policy: Improved understanding of all of Earth's minerals resources is fundamental to sustainable development and balancing economic and environmental interests. ULTRA will yield new information on resource distribution that could help inform regulation of the sector, and help nations more effectively manage their marine resources. Results from our proposed research will enable evidence-based decisions by non-governmental organisations and policy makers scrutinising the sustainability of future extraction of sulphide mineralisation on the sea floor.
Social and educational: Transparent science and evidence collection, yielded by projects such as ULTRA, is key to gaining public acceptance of deep-ocean mining and social licence to operate. This multidisciplinary study of an extreme environment is visually exciting and will help entice the next generation into science and technology.
'If it can't be grown, it has to be mined'; minerals underpin every aspect of our daily life. They are essential for supporting economic growth, and improving and maintaining quality of life. Demand for minerals is increasing as global population expands and minerals are used in a greater range of applications. The vast majority of minerals are currently derived from mining on land, which represents less than one third of the planet's surface. Set against the general trend of declining terrestrial ore grades and mineral deposit discovery rates, and a requirement to decouple metal production from carbon emissions it is essential to consider new resource types. The vast metal resources of the deep-ocean will be vital for resourcing future generations, and may represent a more sustainable source of supply. However, to meet this challenge new scientific knowledge is required on the magnitude of the metal resource and its global distribution, which relies on understanding mineral deposit evolution and preservation potential. Project ULTRA will have the following specific impacts:
Economic: Demand for metals is increasing and prices are predicted to increase in the medium- to long-term. Stable and secure metal supplies are vital to many industrial sectors (e.g. automotive, aerospace, energy), which are currently highly dependent on imports. There are specific concerns about the security of supply of metals of growing economic importance due to their use in high-technology and green energy applications. Diversification of supply through the exploitation of new and novel resource types (e.g. seafloor massive sulphide deposits) will help reduce supply risk and support economic growth. Huge growth is predicted in the deep-ocean mining sector and the European Commission expects global annual turnover of marine mining to reach about euros10 billion by 2030. The knowledge gained from ULTRA will directly contribute to UK R&D in this sector, improving competitiveness, and potentially attracting future global business.
Environmental: Decarbonisation of energy supply and meeting emission targets is dependent on the deployment of renewable energy technologies, and the development of new transport methods, many of which are highly metal intensive. Improved availability of metals, because of exploiting new sources will facilitate decarbonisation. Mining is currently one of the most energy intensive industrial sectors. Extraction of metals from deep-ocean mineral deposits may use less energy than traditional sources, directly contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. This proposal will improve understanding of the size, mineralogy and metal tenors of these deposits, which is vital for making comparisons with land-based supplies. Our research will also provide new information on the composition and evolution of sea floor mineral deposits and hence their potential environmental impact on adjacent faunal habitats if they are mined.
Policy: Improved understanding of all of Earth's minerals resources is fundamental to sustainable development and balancing economic and environmental interests. ULTRA will yield new information on resource distribution that could help inform regulation of the sector, and help nations more effectively manage their marine resources. Results from our proposed research will enable evidence-based decisions by non-governmental organisations and policy makers scrutinising the sustainability of future extraction of sulphide mineralisation on the sea floor.
Social and educational: Transparent science and evidence collection, yielded by projects such as ULTRA, is key to gaining public acceptance of deep-ocean mining and social licence to operate. This multidisciplinary study of an extreme environment is visually exciting and will help entice the next generation into science and technology.
Organisations
- NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE (Lead Research Organisation)
- Geomar, Kiel (Collaboration)
- Equinor (Collaboration)
- All Russian Research Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources of the World Ocean (Project Partner)
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Ctr for Ocean Res Kiel (Project Partner)
- Nautilus Minerals (International) (Project Partner)
- University of Bergen (Project Partner)
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (Project Partner)
Publications
Van Dover C
(2020)
Research is needed to inform environmental management of hydrothermally inactive and extinct polymetallic sulfide (PMS) deposits
in Marine Policy
Kamennaya N
(2022)
Notable predominant morphology of the smallest most abundant protozoa of the open ocean revealed by electron microscopy
in Journal of Plankton Research
Spearman J
(2020)
Measurement and modelling of deep sea sediment plumes and implications for deep sea mining.
in Scientific reports
Zeng Z
(2020)
Dispersion and Intersection of Hydrothermal Plumes in the Manus Back-Arc Basin, Western Pacific
in Geofluids
Milinovic J
(2020)
Analysis of deep-ocean sediments from the TAG hydrothermal field (MAR, 26° N): application of short-wave infrared reflectance (SWIR) spectra for offshore geochemical exploration
in Journal of Soils and Sediments
Description | Discovery of some of the largest seafloor massive sulphide deposits known and their relationship to mid-ocean ridge tectonics provides a new view of the prospectivity of seafloor massive sulphide deposits. A new model is being developed for the types of hydrothermal mineralisation that is generated in tectonic spreading environments where ultramafic rocks are involved in the fluid rock reactions. We have tested and developed new methods for imaging the sub-seafloor in high resolution by adapting industrial seismic nodes and developing low-frequency seismic sources for use on deep-diving ROV vehicles to achieve high resolution. The new models of mineralisation will dramatically alter the view if the extent of hydrothermal mineralisation at slow spreading ridges. |
Exploitation Route | The new information about the styles of mineralisation at ultramafic-hosted tectonic spreading systems on slow spreading mid-ocean ridges will be of interest to scientists understanding the cycling of metals through the earth system, as well as metal resource industries looking for new styles of large scale mineralisation. |
Sectors | Chemicals Energy Other |
Description | project ULTRA is delayed by COVID (postponed cruise time) yet it has stimulated collaboration and investment with industry partners: Equinor A/S and Green Minerals A/S, resulted in invitation to contribute policy advice at an international level (ISA report) and we continue to be sought by government to provide policy advice through the cross-department Deep-Sea Mining working group as well as input to an assessment of marine minerals on the UK shelf.. |
First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
Sector | Energy,Environment,Other |
Impact Types | Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Commissioned to contribute to a report on Critical Raw Materials in the UK sector. |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | Contracted by the United Nations International Seabed Authority to write a report on the current and future direction of deep-sea mining technology. |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | Invited panellist to advise and join writing group for the development of recommendations for the mining of seafloor polymetalic mineral deposits from hydrothermally extinct seafloor massive sulphide deposits. Funded by the Pugh Foundation, the working groups met over a period of a week in Galway, November 2019. |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | UK government policy on deep-sea minerals, developed through cross-department committees including the Deep-sea Mining Stakeholders Com (DIT) and the Committee on Deep-sea mining policy (BEIS, FCO, DIT). The latter gave rise to a UK policy position that was presented to the International Seabed Authority at its meeting in Johannesburg, 2019, where a draft of the deep-sea mining code for exploitation of ferromanganese nodules was proposed under the terms of the UNCLOS. |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | The draft regulations on deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules will have a significant and international impact on the future viability of deep-sea mining, the supply of critical metals essential for a zero net-carbon economy and setting international standards for the protection of thedeep-sea floor ecology in areas outside national jurisdiction that might be subject to mineral extraction in the future. |
URL | https://www.isa.org.jm/mining-code |
Description | Project ULTRA - Ultramafic-hosted mineral Resource Assessment |
Amount | £2,200,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/S004068/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 01/2024 |
Title | ULTRA project led the development of high-resolution seismic refraction capability for deep-ocean geophysics. |
Description | Acquisition of seismic nodes for recording short offset shots with atomis clock timing, coupled with an experimental seismic frequency source for operation near the seabed in deep (up to 60000m) water. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Ability to resolve structure at high resolution in deep-sea environments. Publication of results of experimental deployment in November 2023 are expected this year. |
Description | Developing novel seismic techniques for sub-seafloor imaging of SMS deposits |
Organisation | Equinor |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Sponsorship in full of International PhD studentship, access to Equinor staff and expertise and proprietary analytical codes and labs. |
Collaborator Contribution | Involvement in the project - cutting edge research techniques - data access |
Impact | none yet - collaboration just started |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Geomar controlled source EM multi-physics study of Ultramafic hosted hydrothermal mineralisation |
Organisation | Geomar, Kiel |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Project ULTRA will provide sea-time to the field in a joint collaboration exercise. The project will pay for consumables and travel. |
Collaborator Contribution | GEOMAR are partners in the ULTRA research project and will bring staff and instrumentation to the field in a joint collaboration exercise. |
Impact | none yet - field work commences in 2023 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Company Name | DeepC-MinEx |
Description | DeepC-MinEx is a consultancy offering advice to the new and growing Deep-Sea Mining (DSM) sector. The aim of the company is to provide solutions to enable environmentally responsible DSM. |
Year Established | 2020 |
Impact | Multiple engagements with the DSM industry including several contracts within the first 3 months. our advice has been used by the norwegian Petroleum Directorate in advising them about seabed drilling at seafloor massive sulphide sites in the summer of 2020. |
Website | https://deepc-minex.business.site |
Description | DEEP SEA MINERALS Conference, Bergen: EXPLORING NORWEGIAN WATERS : TECHNOLOGY, POTENTIAL RESOURCES & CRITICAL CHALLENGES |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | DEEPSEAMINERALS Conférence in Bergen was widely attended online and in person (over 500 delegates) of international business, academics, practitioners, and NGOs. The conference over three days was the first since the pandemic in person deep sea min erals event and attracted a lot of interest from all types of stakeholders. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://events.geonova.no/event/deep-sea-minerals-2021/ |
Description | Deep-sea Mining Working Group, BEIS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Advisor and member of the cross-government department working group on Deep-sea Mining, organised by BEIS |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | In the Black '20 - The safety of people and the planet through the application of technology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | IN THE BLACK'20, an international technology conference looking at technology at the frontier, focused on 2020 on "The safety of people and the planet through the application of technology". It was aimed at generating renewed momentum to theEuropean Union's EIT Raw Materials Community. In addition to strengthening the connections between KIC Partners, the aim was to redefine future enabling strategies for deep-sea mining. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://eurogeologists.eu/event/in-the-black20-safety-through-the-application-of-technology/ |
Description | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar - In the Black '21 - IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR FUTURE EXPLOITATION OF UNDERWATER MINERALS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | IN THE BLACK'21, focusing this year on "IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR FUTURE EXPLOITATION OF UNDERWATER MINERALS", is expected to generate renewed momentum to the European Raw Materials Community in general. In addition to strengthening the connections between the IN THE BLACK community, we aim to redefine future enabling strategies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | http://www.strongmar.eu/site/in-the-black-2021-123 |
Description | web site active with background info and to include expedition blogs |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | the web page is our primary portal for the public to engage in an area of science that has societal interest. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://noc.ac.uk/projects/ultra |