Oxford researchers say it is possible to extract copper, gold, zinc, silver and lithium from brines trapped in porous rocks at depths of 2 kilometres below dormant volcanoes.
The Pacific island nation has notified a United Nations body of plans to start deep-sea mining, giving the International Seabed Authority two years to complete long-running talks on rules governing the new and controversial industry.
The centre will be a catalyst to aid focus on the development of the green economy in Australia, in relation to export commodities and the significant potential for low carbon regional development and job creation.