Manganese nodule, available in ocean beds, is a potential resource of the future for copper, nickel and cobalt.
Recovering only these metals, containing less than 3% by weight, will result in the generation of large amount
of residue. In addition to the material losses, several environmental and ecological problems arise out of this.
The present study has been aimed at reducing the environmental and ecological problems associated with
massive generation of this residue together with utilization of the resources. Presence of ~ 20% manganese
and ~16% silicon in the residue has prompted us to check its suitability as a raw material for silicomanganese
production. Lower manganese content and lower Mn/Fe ratio of the residue than that required for silicomanganese
production has been corrected in this study by suitable blending. The efficacy of blending and its thermodynamic
aspects using FACTSAGE software are discussed. The studies conducted indicate viability of bulk
utilisation of the residue through silicomanganese production and thereby reducing the burden on environment
to a great extent
