Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR), the deep-sea exploratory division of the DEME, has completed two key assessments of its seabed mineral collector technology, prior the expedition to the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean.
A new umbilical and winch combination has been evaluated mid-water in the Atlantic Ocean at a depth of 4,500 meters, the depth at which GSR’s prototype nodule collector, Patania II, will operate.
In a separate validation check – conducted within Belgium’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – Patania II demonstrated its ability to drive and manoeuvre along the seabed.
Following the completion of these two assessments, GSR plans to conduct trials of its nodule collection technology on the seafloor of the CCZ at 4,500 m depth in 2021.
GSR is collaborating with the European research project “Mining Impact”. Scientists from 28 European institutes will join efforts with the German exploration contract holder, BGR, to independently monitor next year’s trials to help understand the environmental effects of collecting mineral resources from the seafloor.