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China Sets Aside 75,000 Sq. Km Mining Zone Undersea
China in 1999 acquired the right for exclusive use and exploitation of a 75,000 square km mining zone in the middle of east Pacific and China now has basically ascertained the reserves of multi-metal nodules containing manganese, copper, nickel, cobalt and other mineral resources.
By estimates, under current predictable recovery conditions, the zone can produce an annual three million tons of multiple-metal nodules during the next 20 years.
In accordance with UN Convention on the Law of Seas, China in 1990 applied for tapping multiple-metal nodules and got the right over a 150,000 square km seabed in 1991. After eight years' efforts made, China preserved the 75,000 square km of exploration right, thus safeguarding the country's long-term strategic interests, setting aside a metal mining zone undersea for the nation's coming generations.
By PD Online staff member Li Yan
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