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Precious metals from deep-sea vents

March 31, 2009

This sulfide structure is part of the “Bio 9” hydrothermal vent at 9 degrees north on the East Pacific Rise. Deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems are attracting considerable interest from commercial mining companies. Vent systems precipitate seafloor massive sulfide deposits that are rich in copper, gold, silver, and zinc. WHOI will host a public colloquium, “Deep-Sea Mining of Seafloor Massive Sulfides,” which will feature keynote addresses from leading voices on the subject and a panel discussion. The event, April 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Redfield Auditorium, is free and open to the public.
(Photo by Stace Beaulieu, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)