Subsea mining solutions refer to the technologies and processes designed to extract valuable minerals and resources from the ocean floor. With the depletion of terrestrial deposits and the increasing demand for metals and minerals, subsea mining has emerged as a potential solution to meet global resource needs.
Subsea mining involves the extraction of minerals such as copper, gold, silver, manganese, and rare earth elements from deep-sea hydrothermal vents, seafloor massive sulfide deposits, and polymetallic nodules found in the abyssal plains. These mineral-rich areas are formed over thousands of years through geological processes, offering significant potential for mining operations.
The key components of subsea mining solutions include remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), specialized drilling and excavation equipment, and advanced sensing technologies. ROVs are used to access and maneuver in deep-sea environments, carrying out various tasks such as surveying the seafloor, collecting samples, and operating mining equipment. Drilling and excavation tools are employed to extract the minerals and bring them to the surface for processing.
NuStar developed a new system, utilizing a giant can design with blades that agitate the mud for the gathering of minerals.