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Deep sea mining could give UK 'minerals and wealth'

24 March 2014 Last updated at 15:22 GMT

Deep sea mining could provide the UK economy with a "great deal" of mineral resources and wealth, a marine biologist has claimed.

The idea comes as government leaders, marine biologists and mining experts prepare to discuss how the process can become a commercial reality.

Minerals found in the sea bed include copper and rare earth minerals which are in great demand for their use in smartphones and other gadgets.

Marine biologist Dr Jon Copley told BBC Radio 5 live's Morning Reports: "The copper there and zinc could be worth £150 billion pounds and that's just the vents we know about."