Manganese nodules

Manganese nodules are small, rounded mineral deposits found on the ocean floor, often on the seabed's deep-sea regions. They form over millions of years as manganese, along with other metals like copper and nickel, gradually precipitates from seawater and accumulates around a core, such as a biological shell or rock fragment. These nodules are considered potential sources of valuable metals used in batteries and electronics. While they contain useful resources, mining them poses environmental challenges due to their deep-sea location and the delicate ecosystems they support.