On the ocean floor, there are many minerals and valuable metals to be found. There are many minerals on the ocean floor, but manganese and iron are one of the few more valuable metals one can find. Countries all over the world flock towards this resource where they can collect as much as they want, since these waters are not claimed by only one country. When found, countries try to claim ownership over this resource. The only problem is that no one can claim ownership over these waters. That means only one question remains: Who is entitled to the mineral resource? In my opinion - everyone does.
Manganese nodules were first discovered on the ocean floor in 1803. After the Second World War, an investigation of the Ocean World started, and new information were obtained on manganese nodules that made scientists consider nodules as one of the major characteristics of the deep oceanic zone. Since the 1960's manganese nodules have been recognized as a potential ore source, investigation of which is enthused by the progressive depletion of land-based mineral resources. Oceanic nodules may be formed from ore material, although some researchers would highlight the principal role of hydrothermal sources. In 1928, there was a reported discovery of some specific iron bacteria in manganese nodules from the Arctic bottom. Later on, in manganese nodules, other species of microorganisms were found which were able to gather iron and manganese. Although the function of microorganisms in manganese and oxidation are still under questioning, it is believed that the biogenic factor determines the manganese destiny on its ways to the ocean. The terrigenous material and the greater part of hydrothermal material that enter into the ocean pass through the biogenic filter before they reach the bottom. Manganese species in water and suspension are linked with the occurrence of organic mater and activity of sea bacteria.