বাংলাChinese scientists have discovered significant deposits of gold and silver beneath the Pacific Ocean. Researchers say finding such high concentrations of both metals together is relatively rare.
Researchers from Tsinghua University, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology and Shanghai Jiao Tong University conducted the joint exploration. The Pacific Ocean gold and silver deposits were found in a hydrothermal area on the seafloor, where hot, mineral-rich fluids emerge through cracks and gradually deposit minerals over long periods.
The team identified three large, cone-shaped mineral formations known as hydrothermal sulfide deposits. Such deposits typically contain copper, zinc and lead, along with smaller amounts of gold and silver. However, some samples from this expedition showed unusually high concentrations of gold and silver, exceeding those found in some terrestrial ores.
The preliminary findings indicate that some ore samples contained up to 0.45 troy ounces of gold and 36.3 troy ounces of silver per U.S. short ton. In some samples, gold reached 15.4 grams per metric ton, while silver reached as much as 1,271 grams per ton.
Research scientist Song Shizhi said the huge seafloor mineral area could have very high economic value. Scientists believe its potential polymetallic sulfide resources could be comparable to some of the world’s major seafloor mineral deposits.
The expedition began on August 10 from Shenzhen aboard the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10 and lasted 18 days. Using a submersible, researchers made seven dives to the seafloor in a back-arc basin in the western Pacific. Although future extraction may be possible, deep-sea mining remains controversial because of environmental concerns.
Chinese state media reported that the basin is located within China’s exclusive economic zone, although the exact coordinates have not been disclosed. For more international news, visit International News and follow Green Online BD on YouTube Community.
The discovery of the Pacific Ocean gold and silver deposits could increase interest in deep-sea mineral resources while also raising further questions about the environmental impact of future extraction.
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