Deep-ocean mining issues and Ocean Mining Working Group (OMWG)

Technical innovation and cost-effective technology could bring about the commercialization of deep-ocean resources earlier in the 21st century than projected with today's technology. Cost- and technology-sharing among the countries and/or companies would lower development cost. The industry should be given incentives for its participation in actual work and operations, hopefully with minimal government regulations. Some key technical issues for manganese nodule production system design are presented, and more issues will develop and have to be solved. The implications for economic growth and energy and mineral security require faster penetration by new technologies into the markets. One of the roles of the Ocean Mining Working Group (OMWG), a non-governmental body, can be to act as an informal conduit among the governments.