Should Manganese nodules be exploited as a source of metals?

... Should Manganese nodules be exploited as a source of metals? Manganese nodules are a dark lump of mineral found on the ocean floor, some floors can be packed with them. These nodules are composed of oxides or iron and manganese but also contain smaller amounts of more valuable metals such as copper and nickel. Manganese nodules can vary greatly in size, averaging about 2inches (4cm) in diameter. Manganese nodules are found in large quantities in the seabeds of oceans proximate to the regions of Russia, Brazil, Australia, Cook Islands, South Africa, Gabon, India and the Solomon Islands. The composition of a manganese nodule can vary, a typical sample might contain by weight 24%manganese, 14% iron, 0.99% nickel, 0.53% copper, 0.35% cobalt, 0.1%lead. The minerals precipitate out of the ocean water and form in layers around a nucleus. It is believed that a nodule grows 1cm every millionth year. Manganese nodules are

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