South Korea

South Korea
South Korea won the exclusive
right to exploit a deep-sea mine in the Indian Ocean that could produce more than
$300 million worth of minerals a year
South Korea The 10,000-square kilometre (4,000 sq mile) site contains
hydrothermal vents that could yield metals including gold, silver, copper, zinc and
lead. The general assembly of the International Seabed Authority last Friday voted to
give Seoul the exclusive right to develop the area - around 2,500 kilometres
southwest of Sri Lanka - from 2013 to 2027. The ministry estimated production
would reach about 46,000 tonnes, worth $320 million, a year.