Feasibility Evaluation Method for Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodule Mining System Based on Logistics Chain Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5890/JEAM.2026.12.015Abstract
This study addresses the critical disconnect between engineering design and environmental impact assessment in deep-sea mining by proposing a universal, logistics-oriented evaluation framework. By reconceptualizing the mining process as an integrated material flow system comprising five invariant stages-Collection, Lifting, Temporary Storage, Transshipment, and Receiving-the framework treats environmental externalities not as peripheral concerns but as intrinsic logistics constraints. A deterministic logic chain, termed ``Characteristics-Demands-Adaptability,''is established to transparently translate geological and environmental heterogeneity into comparable engineering requirements. Through its application to three geologically distinct mining provinces-the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, the Western Pacific, and the Eastern Pacific-the framework demonstrates its discriminatory power by yielding context-specific technical recommendations without reliance on site-specific numerical simulations. Ultimately, this method facilitates early-stage screening and strategic planning by aligning commercial objectives with environmental accounting, offering a robust decision-support tool for sustainable resource development.References
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