17/02/2014 13:00 – Portal Brasil
In Jamaica Brazil presented a proposed Work Plan for Mining Cobalt-rich crusts iron manganese in the Rio Grande Rise (ERG), a formation located in the international area and regulated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The submitted plan, a strategic one for the country, will foster the development of technology, qualified personnel, training of human resources and, especially, the enhanced presence in the country in the South Atlantic.
The presentation, made in the Jamaican capital on 7/2, emphasized in addition to the aspects of marine geological research, the details of the studies to be conducted on site. It is a concise and consistent proposal – strongly supported by technical and environmental parameters – which also shows Brazil’s commitment to sustainable development. The Rise of the Rio Grande is a strategic region located 1500 km from the Brazilian coast. The presence of iron manganese crusts rich in cobalt represents significant scientific and economic potential.
In recent years, many countries have been developing research activities in the South Atlantic, notably France, Russia, China and Germany. This region has great political and strategic importance. On the other hand, the exploration contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISBA, in Portuguese), if approved, shall ensure that Brazil’s exclusive right to exploit the requisitioned area for a minimum of 15 years.