The optimization of enrichment zones for Co-rich crusts involves multiple factors such as crust thickness, elemental content, topography, slope, and biological distribution, making it a complicated research endeavor. Based on survey data from the contract area, the present study pioneers the integration of environmental factors into enrichment zone selection. It conducts a comprehensive analysis of resource, environment, and mining considerations, alongside optimization methodologies. Quantitative indicators for resource, environment, and mining are spatially correlated and assigned to corresponding grid cells. A weighted scoring method is proposed to compare enrichment zone selection results under different weightings, finally forming the optimal enrichment zone selection scheme. This scheme fully achieves the maximization of resource reserves, the protection of biological communities, and the safeguarding of future mineral development. It also provides technical reference for enrichment zone selection of deep-sea minerals such as polymetallic nodules and hydrothermal sulphides.
Liu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.