Joint scientific research on hydrothermal activities and resources in the Western Pacific Ocean made important breakthroughs
Quick Look
- A scientific expedition team composed of Tsinghua University, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology of China Geological Survey, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and other units has newly identified a large-scale high-temperature active hydrothermal area in the Western Pacific, and has initially confirmed that it has large-scale polymetallic sulfide resource potential.
- The scientific expedition team set sail from Shenzhen on August 10 and carried out seven detector dive operations over 18 days.
- It was found that the maximum temperature of the hydrothermal vent end-member fluid exceeded 315°C, the maximum associated gold content reached 15.4ppm, and the maximum associated silver content reached 1271ppm.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The scientific expedition team had conducted more than ten preliminary explorations in the sea area before this voyage and found dozens of high-temperature hydrothermal vents, which provided the basis for this precise locking.
Recently, the joint scientific research voyage on hydrothermal activities and resources in the Western Pacific Ocean Seafloor carried out by Tsinghua University, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology of the China Geological Survey, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and other units achieved important breakthroughs. The scientific expedition team relied on self-developed equipment to newly locate a large-scale high-temperature active hydrothermal area in the Western Pacific, and initially confirmed that it has large-scale polymetallic sulfide resource potential.
For this scientific expedition mission, the scientific expedition team boarded the "Xiangyanghong 10" scientific research ship and set sail from Shenzhen on August 10 this year. During the 18-day scientific research voyage, they conducted 7 detector dive operations in the back-arc basin of the Western Pacific located in my country's exclusive economic zone.
According to reports, before carrying out this scientific expedition, the scientific research team had conducted more than ten preliminary explorations in this sea area and found dozens of high-temperature hydrothermal vents. These vents are located at a depth of about 700 to 1,500 meters underwater. The maximum temperature of the fluid at the end of the vent exceeds 315°C, and the hydrothermal activity is very active. On the basis of previous surveys, this voyage accurately identified a new and large-scale submarine hydrothermal active mining area in the basin through detailed surveys and in-situ sampling. The associated hydrothermal sulfide ore body consists of three large cone-shaped ore body structures. According to preliminary testing and analysis by the shipboard laboratory, the ore body is mainly composed of important economic minerals such as chalcopyrite, pyrite, and sphalerite. Preliminary analysis of some samples shows that the highest content of associated gold in the ore reaches 15.4ppm, and the highest content of associated silver reaches 1271ppm. Its average content level is significantly better than that of land deposits.
(CCTV News Client CCTV reporters Shuai Junquan Chu Erjia Dong Liangyan)
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
More detailed resource assessment and feasibility studies will be carried out in the future.
Likely · Within months
The discovery may be included in the national deep sea strategic resource plan
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the specific reserve size of this mining area?
- How to evaluate the technical difficulty and environmental impact of subsequent development?
- Will it be included in the national deep sea strategic resource layout?
