Deep-sea mining core technology in China: current situation and prospects

Abstract

Deep-sea mineral resources have huge reserves, high grades, and rich types. Countries all over the world are increasing efforts to tackle key core technologies for deep-sea mineral resource development. In consideration of the highly challenging technology and high-end equipment requirements of deep-sea mineral resource development, this paper systematically reviews the research status of deep-sea mineral resource development technology at home and abroad from the aspects of deep-sea exploration, deep-sea mining, and seabed environmental protection and summarizes the key problems existing in deep-sea mineral resource development in China. The key core technologies, opportunities, challenges, and new directions of deep-sea mining research in the future are summarized, and development suggestions and countermeasures are proposed. The research shows that the development of deep-sea mineral resources should adhere to the developmental concept of green, intelligent, precise, and efficient collaboration and technological innovation; strengthen basic scientific research; and accelerate joint research on the key core technologies of deep-sea mineral resource development. To face the demand traction and technology orientation and accelerate the commercialization of deep-sea mineral resource development in China, we should vigorously promote the development of the supporting technology industries related to deep-sea resource development and the transformation and application of scientific and technological innovation achievements and constantly stimulate the endogenous impetus of scientific and technological innovation achievements.