Research Activities At The Continental Shelf Division Marine Minerals Technology Center

The Marine Minerals Technology Center (MMTC) was established by the US Congress in 1988 as the national research center designated to provide the focus and guidance necessary to assure the development of US seabed mineral resources with due regard for the protection and conservation of the environment. The research program policy of the MMTC focuses on the development of marine non-fuel mineral resources with an emphasis on a flexible program that is industry needs for the development of specific technologies. The portion of MMTC funding received by the Continental Shelf Division is allocated among various program interests which include the inhouse development of drill system technology, cooperative research and technology development projects that are conducted with industry and/or government agency participation and funding, the funding of qualified research project proposals, student educational opportunities, and technology transfer efforts. Each of these separate program interests is discussed in some detail.