Benthic Water Column & Plume Dispersion Profile
Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) Model
0m
1000m
2000m
3000m
4200m
Regulatory Context
Interior Secretary Burgum indicated the US aims to fast-track deep-sea mineral leasing permits within months. Mining targets polymetallic nodules on abyssal plains rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese essential for defense and energy transitions.
Estimated Metal Recoveries
Manganese (Mn ~28%)357,700 tons
Nickel (Ni ~1.3%)16,608 tons
Copper (Cu ~1.1%)14,053 tons
Cobalt (Co ~0.25%)3,194 tons
Operating Parameters
Target Permit Timeline
6 months
Mining Depth
4200 m
Daily Extraction Rate
3500 tons/day
Benthic Current Velocity
5.0 cm/s
Nodule Density
15.4 kg/m²
Forecasted Impacts & Output
Annual Yield
1,277,500
Metric Tons / yr
Gross Valuation
$1,845.5M
Estimated USD
Plume Radius
34.2 km
Sediment Footprint
Permit Decision
2027-03-15
Projected Date
Environmental Risk Score
71.4 / 100