Conceptual problems of the organization of cost-effective development and extraction of ferromanganese nodules from the bottom of the World Ocean

Object and purpose of research. The study is focused on problems of extraction of ferromanganese nodules from the bottom of the World Ocean. This extraction is still insignificant and amounts to no more than 2% of the value of ores mined on land, but its potential is disproportionately large. Of great interest is the deep-water zone of the Clarion- Clipperton faults, where one of the largest deposits of ferromanganese nodules has been registered. For many years, the development of deep-sea deposits of such nodules was considered a low-profit and complex process, but recently the position of researchers has been changing. To increase profitability, it is required to minimize the number of dives and, consequently, to have large-sized hull structures. Main results. To solve this problem, the design of the hull of the underwater vehicle according to the type of the so-called polyhull is proposed. Its main idea is related to the fact that for reinforced cylindrical shells of large diameter, the cylindrical shape of the body is not effective due to technological (in thickness) and strength limitations. The polyhull, whose diameter is not less than 20 m, contains at least 12 modules with a diameter of 2–4 m. The modules are connected by double stringers, web frames and transitional airlocks. The modules are intended to serve as an energy module, a high-pressure tank, an accommodation module, floats, a preparation and processing plant, a warehouse and a repair base for mining robotics, a rescue module, etc. The proposed design solutions can also be used to lift large-sized sunken objects. Conclusion. Research in this area is increasingly becoming the prerogative of governments, because, on the one hand, they require a large amount of capital investment, and, on the other hand, metals found in nodules are constantly becoming more expensive. The development of new technologies stimulates the technological development of the entire industry and opens up new prospects for the economic system.