Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR), the deep-sea exploratory division of the DEME Group, recently completed two key assessments of its seabed mineral collector technology, paving the way for an expedition to the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean.

A new state-of-the-art umbilical and winch combination has been successfully evaluated mid-water in the Atlantic Ocean at a depth of 4,500 m. This is the depth at which GSR’s prototype nodule collector, Patania II, will operate. The machine will mine polymetallic nodules rich in nickel and cobalt.

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.