Cobalt-rich crusts are mineral deposits found on the ocean floor, particularly on seamounts and ridges. These crusts are composed mainly of iron and manganese oxides, along with significant amounts of cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. They form over millions of years through the slow accumulation of minerals from seawater and hydrothermal fluids. These crusts are of interest for their potential economic value, as they can be mined for their metal content. The extraction of cobalt-rich crusts is being explored as a way to meet the growing demand for cobalt in technologies like batteries and renewable energy systems.