A comparison between manganese nodules and cobalt crust economics in a scenario of mutual exclusivity

▶ Manganese nodules and cobalt crust economics is revised in a mutually exclusive scenario. ▶ Literature shows advantages of cobalt crust if price of cobalt is over $50/kg. ▶ The cobalt-nickel price ratio is proposed to re-assess the previous statement. ▶ Results show that nickel acts as a limiting factor at price of $11/kg. ▶ Above this limit, cobalt crust is favoured if cobalt price exceeds hundred dollars per kg.