An economic block model-based framework to determine design requirements for ferromanganese crust mining systems

Ferromanganese crust (FMC) deposits are potential targets for commercial deep-sea mining. To guide future mining system design studies and the development of complementary mining equipment, this study introduces a framework that uses economic block models to identify design requirements for FMC mining systems that impact deposit value. The framework is illustrated through a case study of a hypothetical FMC deposit in a prospective region. Results show that mining efficiency has the greatest impact on deposit value, emphasizing that future designs should prioritize maximizing efficiency. System mobility and adaptability to manage steep slopes are also identified as influential design parameters. Economically, FMC mining is characterized as a cobalt-manganese venture.