Map of the polymetallic nodules contract areas of the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone. UKSR contract areas are shown in light blue (Source: ISA)
Through UKSR Glomar Minerals holds two contracts for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 133,000 km² at a water depth of 4,000–6,000 meters. The CCZ is the most prospective and best mapped area in the world for Deep Sea Minerals.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and UK Seabed Resources (UKSR) signed contracts for exploration of polymetallic nodules in the eastern (UK1) and central (UK2) Clarion Clipperton Zone in February 2013 and March 2016 respectively.
Map of the polymetallic nodules contract areas of the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone. UKSR contract areas are shown in light blue (Source: ISA)
The Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean hosts one of the world’s richest deposits of polymetallic nodules, containing high concentrations of nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese. These nodules lie on the seafloor at depths of 4,000–6,000 meters and represent a vast, untapped source of critical minerals.
Recent geological assessments estimate that the CCZ may contain over 134 million tonnes of nickel, 761 million tonnes of manganese, 340 million tonnes of copper, and 669 million tonnes of cobalt. In comparison, many land-based reserves are declining in grade and increasingly located in ecologically or politically sensitive regions, making deep-sea nodules a compelling alternative.
UK Seabed Resources (UKSR) holds one of the largest private footprints in the CCZ. Through its UK1 and UK2 exploration contracts, and a 19.99% stake in the OMS (Ocean Mineral Singapore) contract, UKSR has access to extensive nodule-rich areas, positioning it as a key player in future deep-sea mineral sourcing.
Since securing the two exploration licences UKSR has worked with a team of world-leading scientists to build knowledge and understanding of the abyssal environment. Three research cruises have been undertaken in the Pacific Ocean Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with the latest in 2020. The environmental surveys have generated over 57,000 images of the seafloor and collected in excess of 27,000 biological samples and observations.
To date over 70 peer-reviewed academic papers and conference presentations have been produced on the basis of data gathered during the initial two cruises. The samples collected on the third cruise are still in research labs for analysis and future reporting of findings.
Alongside the environmental research programme, UKSR has continued to refine its knowledge of the resources available in its two licence areas, progress its technology roadmap, and deliver its training plan.
See links below for documentation related to the contract areas in the CCZ, published academic papers and conference presentations.
The lists of documents and papers will be updated regularly to provide transparency of our work to all stakeholders.
Academic Papers and Conference Presentations
For academic queries, please contact post@glomar-m.com