What are the different marine mineral resources? IAS 2024, 5 Marks

Different Marine Mineral Resources

• Polymetallic Nodules
  
  • Found on deep ocean floors.
  • Contain manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper.
• Polymetallic Sulphides
  
  • Located near hydrothermal vents.
  • Rich in zinc, copper, lead, gold, and silver.
• Cobalt-Rich Crusts
  
  • Formed on seamounts.
  • Contain cobalt, platinum, and other rare elements.
• Phosphorites
  
  • Found on continental shelves and slopes.
  • Used in fertilizer production.
• Marine Sand and Gravel
  
  • Extracted for construction and land reclamation projects.
• Gas Hydrates
  
  • Icy methane structures on the seabed.
  • Potential future energy resource.
• Salt Deposits
  
  • Derived from evaporation in shallow marine environments.
  • Essential for chemical industries.