Method and apparatus for mining of ocean floors

摘要: Suboceanic particulate solids containing useful metal values are recovered from ocean floors by extending a recovery tube above an surface to the floor and confining column of sea water therein, injecting pressurized gas into base said tube, while separately contemporaneously thereat aqueous solution at least one water-soluble, high molecular weight suspension enhancing polymer, whereby forming diluted dispersion propelling same surface, there recovering dilute dispersion.