Flight distance 38600 In the sea, “ Xiangyanghong 01” Ship 5 Moon 18 The global comprehensive ocean scientific expedition was successfully completed today. ( Segments 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are over the ocean. 46 Voyage ) Returned safely to Qingdao.

　　It is worth noting that this scientific expedition conducted an intensive survey of rare earth elements in the central Indian Ocean basin, and at the same time, preliminarily identified an area of approximately [area not specified] within the deep-sea basin of the southeastern Pacific Ocean. 150 A rare-earth-rich sedimentary area spanning 10,000 square kilometers. China has become the country with the highest level of investigation and research on deep-sea rare earths in the Indian Ocean and the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

　　However, Shi Xuefa, chief scientist of China’s deep-sea rare-earth research project and researcher at the First Institute of Oceanography under the State Oceanic Administration, 20 When asked in an interview with a reporter from Science and Technology Daily, he stated that when it would be possible to... “ Deep-sea rare-earth-rich deposits ” Become “ Deep-sea rare earth resources ” It's still difficult to determine at this stage of development.

　　China’s research and exploration of rare earths in the deep sea are at the forefront of the world.

　　 “ The reason we were able to discover extensive deep-sea rare-earth-rich deposits in the southeastern Pacific Ocean this time is that we had a targeted approach and conducted extensive preliminary research. ” A relevant official from the Office of the China Ocean Association told reporters.

　　The China Ocean Mineral Resources Research Association is the specialized agency responsible for the comprehensive coordination and organization of China’s surveys and development of mineral resources in the international seabed area. As early as the last century... 90 In the early years of the decade, with its support, Chinese scientists conducted research on the geochemical characteristics and variation patterns of rare earth elements in Pacific sediments, achieving abundant results. However, at that time, these elements were not yet considered as a potential mineral resource.

　　2011 In that year, the China Ocean Association was among the first in China to organize scientists to conduct research on deep-sea rare earths. 2012 The project was officially approved and began research into the potential of rare earth resources on the seafloor of the world's oceans. Researchers have preliminarily delineated areas in the Central Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, the Northeast Pacific, and the Southeast Pacific. 4 a rich rare-earth mineralization belt, and conducted a preliminary assessment of the global potential of deep-sea rare-earth resources.

　　Over the past several years, the China Ocean Association has organized numerous voyages equipped with scientific instruments or dedicated to specific surveys. 2015 Year of the Ocean 34 During this voyage, researchers discovered large-scale rare-earth-rich deposits for the first time in the central Indian Ocean Basin.

　　 “ Currently, China’s research and exploration of deep-sea rare earths are on par with Japan’s level. In terms of the scope of investigation and research, Japan primarily focuses within its exclusive economic zone in the western Pacific Ocean, whereas China’s survey areas are more extensive. ” Shi Xuefa said, after... 7 Year-long research and investigation have conclusively confirmed the existence of extensive, REE-rich deposits in deep-sea basins. Particularly noteworthy is that these potential REE resources boast high concentrations of heavy rare earth elements, comparable to those found in ion-adsorption-type rare earth deposits in southern China.

　　Developing the technology isn't difficult, but it's constrained by environmental and market factors.

　　 “ Technically speaking, there should be no problem currently with developing deep-sea rare-earth-rich deposits. ” Shi Xuefa said that experimental studies conducted by scientists from both China and Japan have shown that mixed rare-earth oxides can be directly leached from this sediment using acid, and the leaching process is relatively simple.

　　However, he believes that the ultimate determining factor in developing a mineral resource is the market—whether it can be profitable.

　　Deep-sea rare-earth-rich sediments are located at great water depths. 4000 At depths of several thousand meters below the sea surface, current extraction costs are very high, and we must also consider the impact of development on the marine environment.

　　 “ Seawater is interconnected and cannot be physically divided by jurisdictional boundaries. ” The aforementioned experts believe that even for resource extraction in the exclusive economic zone, it will take a certain period of observational data to assess its impact on adjacent areas. However, in the long term, the development of deep-sea rare-earth-rich deposits is by no means out of reach.

　　As a major country rich in land-based rare earth resources, China once— 1/3 The reserves supply. 90% The above-mentioned global demand.

　　Shi Xuefa said that scientific research, exploration and development, and metallurgical technology studies targeting deep-sea rare-earth deposits are still weak, and many efforts are just beginning. He believes that China should start considering taking proactive steps in the development of deep-sea rare-earth resources at an early stage, encouraging greater investment and broader participation in this endeavor.