SEABED MINING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83M00914R001000060034-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 20, 2007
• Sequence Number: 34
• Publication Date: July 2, 1982
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2007/02/20: CIA-RDP83M00914R001000060034-2
DDI-
2 JUL
1982
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
FROM: Robert M. Gates
Deputy Director for Intelligence
1. Action Requested. None. 20*4
2. Background. Attached is an OGI report on the mining of deep ocean
sulfide deposits that was prepared during the Spring 1982 Session of the Law
of the Sea Conference in New York. Sulfide deposits are rich in a variety of
minerals and are known to be very extensive, but their value vis-a-vis
manganese nodules cannot be judged at this time; only isolated deposits have
so far been intensively investigated. Mining of these metals is a long way
off. The technology for mining hard rock at 2,000 to 4,000 meter ocean depths
in the face of often violent ocean weather may not even be on drawing
boards. No reliable cost estimates have been made since a recovery system has
yet to be designed. The potentially most profitable deposits, however, appear
to be those containing substantial amounts of gold, silver, platinum and
gallium; deposits less rich in these high-value metals may not meet the test
of profitability for commercial enterprises.
Significant sulfide deposits were not identified until 1978, long
after the Law of the Sea Conference was under way. Assays were not available
until 1980. Polymetallic sulfides thus received little notice at the
Conference until last spring. In addition to the United States, the USSR
France, and West Germany appear to be interested in these deposits. II
The deposits off the Oregon coast that Bob Keating mentioned lie on a
seabed ridge about 250 miles from the coast in 2,100 meters of water
(manganese nodules are commonly found at depths of 6,000 meters). A similar
geologic ridge a few miles to the south and lying within 180 miles of the
Oregon coast will be investigated for sulfide deposits this summer. This
latter structure, the Gorda Ridge, would lie within US mineral jurisdiction
Approved For Release 2007/02/20: CIA-RDP83M00914RO01000060034-2
 Approved For Release 2007/02/20: CIA-RDP83M00914R001000060034-2
SUBJECT: Seabed Mining
should the United States declare a 200-mile economic zone. The effects of
seabed mining on the rich west coast fishing grounds will have to be
considered, however, before any sulfide deposits in this area are
exploited. II
Rc er U. Gates
Attachment:
As stated