The GSI, as partner and Work Package 7 (Minerals) leader of EMODnet Geology Phase II, are compiling information on cobalt rich ferromanganese crusts. EMODnet partners are submitting the mapped extent of cobalt rich ferromanganese crusts and established information; here you can view data collated thus far. Cobalt rich ferromanganese crusts are metallic mineral deposits that often form at depths between 400 to 4000 metres, as thin layers on the flanks of seamounts and submarine volcanoes. The crusts accumulate when manganese, iron and trace metals including cobalt, copper, nickel and platinum dissolved in sea water are precipitated onto the volcanic substrate. Marine ferromanganese crust deposits are potential mineral resources that contain base metals and strategic and critical elements such as cooper (Cu), cobalt (Co), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), platinum group elements (PGEs) or rare earth elements (REEs). Traditionally, marine precipitates are defined as: a) purely hydrogenetic when all constituents are derived from cold seawater, (b) diagenetic, when all constituents are derived from cold sediment pore water; and (c) hydrothermal when precipitation occurs in the vicinity of hydrothermal vent sites from fluids with temperatures higher than ambient bottom waters. Hydrogenetic Fe-Mn crusts occur throughout the global ocean on seamounts, ridges and plateaus, where currents have kept the rocks free of sediment for millions of years. Some ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crusts exhibit a mixed origin, primarily either hydrothermal-hydrogenetic or hydrogenetic-diagenetic.

Tertiary geological map of Flanders (Belgium), scale 1/50.000. It is a subcrop map of the Tertiary formations under the Quaternary erosion surface.

Spatial distribution of occurrences of Co in European land and sea and respective genetic types.