License Areas
Through UK Seabed Resources (UKSR), Glomar Minerals holds one of the largest private footprints in the CCZ. Through its UK1 and UK2 exploration contracts, and a 19.9% stake in the OMS (Ocean Minerals Singapore) contract, Glomar Minerals has access to extensive nodule-rich areas, positioning it as a key player in future seabed mineral sourcing.
Overview of Areas
Through its wholly owned subsidiary, UK Seabed Resources (UKSR), Glomar Minerals, Ltd holds two exploration contracts for polymetallic nodules in the Pacific Ocean and a significant share of a third. These contracts are regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and sponsored by the UK Department for Business and Trade. Glomar Minerals is committed to delivering a secure supply chain of critical minerals, essential for the economy of tomorrow.
TOTAL AREA
191,819 km²
UK1-UK2
Since beginning its exploration activities in 2013 UKSR has worked with a team of world-leading scientists to build knowledge and understanding of the abyssal environment and the minerals resource. Three research cruises have been undertaken in the Pacific Ocean Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with the latest in 2020.
The environmental surveys have generated over 57,000 images of the seafloor and collected in excess of 27,000 biological samples and observations.
To date over 70 peer-reviewed academic papers and conference presentations have been produced on the basis of data gathered during the initial two cruises.
The samples collected on the third cruise are being analyzed in academic research labs. Alongside the environmental research program, UKSR has continued to refine its knowledge of the resources available in its two license areas, progress its technology roadmap, and deliver its training plan.
Information about UK-Seabed Resources Exploration Contracts with the International Seabed Authority
Academic Papers
For academic queries, please contact post@glomar-m.com
Scientific Research
Estimated CCZ Resource*
The estimated Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt contained in the CCZ are more than the total estimated terrestrial reserves for each mineral; many land-based reserves are declining, making deep sea nodules a compelling alternative.
* Hein et al., 2012, page 12, Table 5.
Key Documents
Through UKSR, Glomar Minerals holds two contracts for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 51,352 mi² at a depth of 4,000-6,000 meters. The CCZ is the most prospective and best mapped area in the world for seabed minerals.
The international Seabed Authority (ISA) and UK Seabed Resources (UKSR) signed contracts for exploration of polymetallic nodules in the eastern (UK1) and central (UK2) Clarion Clipperton Zone in February 2013 and March 2016 respectively.
Since securing the two exploration licenses UKSR has worked with a team in the abyssal environment. Three research cruises have been undertaken in the Pacific Ocean Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with the latest in 2020. These environmental surveys have generated over 57,000 images of the seafloor and collected in excess of 27,000 biological samples and observations.
To date over 70 peer-reviewed academic papers and conference presentations have been produced on the basis of data gathered during the initial two cruises. The samples collected on the third cruise are still in research labs for analysis and future reporting of findings.
Alongside the environmental research program, UKSR has continued to refine its knowledge of the resources available in its two license areas, progress its technology roadmap, and deliver its training plan.
See links below for documentation related to the contract areas in the CCZ, published academic papers and conference presentations. The lists of documents and papers will be updated regularly to provide transparency of our work to all stakeholders.
Information about UK Seabed Resources’ Exploration Licenses with the UK Department for Business and Trade