ENE477 Deep-sea Mineral Resources

• Topics

  This course combines lectures, group discussions, and hands-on workshops to explore the possibilities within deep-sea mining. Led by seasoned professionals from both industry and academia, the lectures offer a broad overview of key aspects, spanning geology, technology, economics, environment, and policy. Participants will gain hands-on experience with cost-benefit analysis and report-writing through group work and workshops. The course is designed to deliver a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, ensuring students acquire a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

  Specifically, the course will cover:

  • The role of minerals and metals in society today
  • The motivations for deep-sea mining
  • Regulatory frameworks and processes
  • Types of deep-sea mineral deposits
  • Basics of exploration, extraction, and processing of deep-sea minerals
  • Environmental risks of deep-sea mining
  • Cost-benefit analysis

• Learning outcome

  Knowledge

  Upon successful completion the student

  • is familiar with the role of minerals and metals in society today
  • knows why deep-sea minerals are considered for extraction
  • is familiar with the relevant regulatory frameworks and processes
  • is familiar with different types of deep-sea mineral deposits
  • knows the basics of exploration, extraction, and processing of deep-sea minerals
  • is familiar with the environmental risks of deep-sea mining
  • knows the components of cost-benefit analysis
  • knows the value and limitations of cost-benefit analysis in uncertain and unknown domains

  Skills

  Upon successful completion the student

  • can conduct cost-benefit analysis
  • can write cost-benefit reports
  • can work efficiently in teams under time constraints

  General competence

  Upon successful completion the student

  • has insight into the opportunities and challenges of deep-sea mining
  • has practice in applied cost-benefit analysis
  • has practice with problem-identification, problem-solving and critical thinking
  • has practice with collaboration, communication, and time management
  • can communicate analyses, findings, and limitations in written reports

• Teaching

  One week-long intensive course with lectures and workshop sessions. Learning-by-doing oriented teaching.

• Credit reduction due to overlap

  None.

• Compulsory Activity

  Attendance.

• Assessment

  Group project report. Students will work in groups of (approximately) 3-4, for 4 weeks (starting in the teaching week).

• Grading Scale

  Pass-Fail

• Literature

  Lecture notes, selected reports, selected scientific articles.