Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- PART ONE Study Summary -- Challenges -- Framework -- Methodology -- Cross-cutting challenges by metal type -- Environmental challenges -- Scenarios and related challenges -- Legal aspects -- Technological innovation challenges -- Results and recommendations -- PART TWO Thematic Contributions -- 1. Deep-sea environment -- 2. Rare and strategic metals -- 3. Characteristics and formation process -- 4. Scientific knowledge and challenges related to hydrogen -- 5. International law and its evolution -- 6. Training organisations and establishments in France and Europe -- 7. Access to raw materials - A historical. legal and geopolitical vision -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- APPENDICES -- Appendix 1 – Acronyms -- Appendix 2 - Study methodology -- Appendix - 3 Steering Committee -- Appendix - 4 Working Group -- Appendix - 5 Experts consulted -- Appendix - 6 Advantages and constraints of the main deep-sea minerals -- List of authors.

The risks of shortages for some crucial metals and uncertainty about the land-based reserves of several others justify the search to diversify our sources of supply and investigate their potential.  Mineral resources in the deep sea are attracting increasing interest with the progressive discovery of various forms of ores. France possesses areas of deep seafloor in the three oceans, as well as world-class human and technological resources and know-how, resulting from over 40 years of experience. This study takes stock of knowledge about mineralisations and associated metals, technologies for exploring and exploiting them, biodiversity and the impacts on the deep environment and the partnerships which are vital for France and Europe. This information will be useful for decision-makers in drawing up strategies, defining research and development programmes and in enhancing and developing commercial utilizations for these high-potential resources.