Why isn't manganese mined on the seabed when there are abundant manganese nodules in some parts of the ocean floor?
A)The manganese is too difficult to extract from the nodules; a new technology is needed.
B)It is not economical to mine manganese nodules at present-day world prices for manganese and associated metals in nodules.
C)The manganese market is held by a global cartel who prevent the material from being mined.
D)It is impossible to extract the nodules from the seafloor with present-day technology.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although there are abundant manganese nodules in some parts of the ocean floor, it is not currently considered economical to mine them due to the current prices for manganese and other associated metals in the nodules. The cost of extraction is also high, which makes it difficult to justify mining them. Therefore, mining companies have not yet invested in developing the necessary technology to extract these resources.

Why Isn't Manganese Mined on the Seabed When There Are