The engineering and geological substantiation of the resource potential of the bed of the South China Sea

The program for the development of the national economy based on own mineral raw materials as adopted in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam requires an increase the volumes of minerals. This includes both liquid hydrocarbons, and non-traditional solid minerals. This paper examines the resource base of mineral deposits in the South China Sea. The objective was to determine and scientifically establish classification criteria for zoning (regionalization), as well as to identify prospective areas with deposits of ferromanganese formations and other solid minerals. An analysis was undertaken of placers on the shelf and deposits of ferromanganese formations in the deep areas of the Vietnam Sea. A multiparameter analysis of the hydrological, geophysical, engineering and geological, environmental conditions of the deposit positions was conducted. In addition, criteria for the prospects of the formation and development of deposits of ferromanganese formations were established. These criteria enabled areas with different prospectivity ratings to be identified. Within the South China Sea, zones (areas) with a high, medium, and low potential for the presence of nodules were identified. Similar zoning for the crusts was also identified. The areas of these zones were determined. The results of the research established that the total potential area of ferromanganese nodules is 91,480 km2. The area with the potential of ferromanganese crusts is 2,421.6 km2, while the area of coexistence of nodules and crusts is 18,777 km2. Furthermore, priority regions for future exploration are those with high nodule potential covering an area of 18,110 km2 and the regions of high crust potential with an area of 882.6 km2. Based on the materials obtained, the bed of the Vietnamese Exclusive Zone of the South China Sea was zoned. Maps of the resource and predictive prospects of the seabed were drawn, and the prospecting and exploration operations can be established within this framework.