cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts
Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts are mineral deposits found on the ocean floor, primarily on seamounts and ridges. These crusts are composed mainly of iron and manganese oxides, along with significant amounts of cobalt, which is a valuable metal used in batteries and other technologies. They form over millions of years through the precipitation of minerals from seawater.
These crusts are of interest for deep-sea mining due to their high cobalt content, which can be economically extracted. Additionally, they provide insights into oceanic processes and the geological history of the Earth, making them important for both resource exploration and scientific research.