（文章转载自国际海底管理局）
Circular Metals Tuvalu Ltd. applies for approval of a plan of work for exploration for polymetallic nodules
On 21 December 2021, Circular Metals Tuvalu Ltd. applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to approve a work plan for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Area. Polymetallic nodules contain nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese. The area under application covers 74,460 km
2 divided into eight blocks in the reserved areas held by ISA in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean.
ISA Legal and Technical Commission has been notified and will consider the application at its next meeting in March 2022.
Circular Metals Tuvalu Ltd is sponsored by the Government of Tuvalu. As a developing State, Tuvalu can benefit from the reserved areas system. Reserved areas are contributed by developed States when they apply to ISA for exploration rights. They are then held in a “site bank” reserved for access by developing countries or the Enterprise. ISA Secretariat carries out resource assessments of the reserved areas.
This is the seventh application for a work plan for exploration in the Area received from a small island developing State.
2021-12-23
