Geologists have discovered huge deposits of gold, silver, copper and zinc in the Manus Basin, part of the Bismarck Sea to the northeast of Papua New Guinea. These minerals were found while they were studying the formation of metal ores on the seafloor. A team led by Ray Binns of the Division of Exploration and Mining of the CSIRO, Australia's national research body, collected 83 samples from the seafloor. One of the deposits has got an average of 15 grams of gold, 200 grams of silver per tonne and 26 per cent by weight of zinc. The deposits that are in relatively shallow water -- about 1200 to 1700 metres below the surface -- were formed by underwater volcanic springs that eject superheated clouds of fine mineral particles ( New Scientist , Vol 157, No 2116).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.