CHINA: Deep job set in Indian Ocean

(August 04, Beijing, Sri Lanka Guardian) China has won the first rights to search for minerals in part of the Indian Ocean as it scours the world for resources.

The United Nations International Seabed Authority approved exploration for polymetallic sulphides - material rich in copper, iron, lead, zinc, gold and silver - on the Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, which divides the ocean between Africa and Antarctica.

The exploration pact covers 10,000 square kilometers and will last for 15 years after it is signed in November.

Chinese experts are already exploring for polymetallic nodules - nuggets containing metal ore - in the northeastern Pacific. It was there that the submersible Jiaolong reached a depth of 5,057 meters in a test dive last month. -AFP

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