The Metals Company, Allseas Complete Wet-Test Commissioning of Robotic Polymetallic Nodule Vehicle
[Click image to enlarge]
[Click image to enlarge]
The Metals Company (TMC) has successfully deployed and wet-test commissioned the pilot robotic nodule collector vehicle together with the company’s strategic partner and shareholder, Allseas Group.
During the harbor wet-test commissioning undertaken at the Port of Rotterdam, the Allseas-designed pilot collector vehicle underwent extensive equipment testing and all systems were shown to be fully functional. Key features and functions of the robotic vehicle including pumps, nozzles, manual, and auto operating modes were successfully put through their paces while multiple operators gained extensive training on the equipment.
“This is an important milestone and I am grateful to have such a competent and capable partner in Allseas to get us this far. With Allseas managing the design, assembly, and testing of the pilot collection system, I believe we have the best minds in the business on the case. We expect to learn a great deal from the testing program this year,” said Gerard Barron, CEO and chairman of The Metals Company.
“So far, things have gone smoothly but I am sure the Allseas team will have their share of challenges to solve along the way. Allseas and TMC share a desire to advance the NORI project swiftly and in a capital-conscious manner. We anticipate that the pilot system being tested by Allseas will be the basis for our first commercial production system — and last week we announced a non-binding term sheet outlining the overall framework and potential commercial terms for such an upgrade,” added Barron.
With initial wet-testing of the pilot collector vehicle now complete, Allseas engineers will begin preparations for full pilot nodule collection trials over an 8 km2 section of the NORI-D contract area in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean later this year. These trials are an integral part of the International Seabed Authority’s regulatory and permitting process and the environmental impact data collected both during and after this nodule collection test work will form the basis of the application for an exploitation contract by TMC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI).
Since 2019, Allseas and TMC have been working together to develop a pilot system to responsibly collect unattached polymetallic nodules from the seafloor and lift them to the surface for transportation to shore. Nodules contain high grades of nickel, manganese, copper and cobalt — key metals required for building electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.
Development of technologies to collect polymetallic nodules first began in the 1970s when oil, gas and mining majors including Shell, Rio Tinto (Kennecott), and Sumitomo, successfully conducted pilot test work in the CCZ recovering over ten thousand tons of nodules. In the decades since, the ISA was established to develop the regulatory framework to govern mineral extraction in the high seas while technology development efforts have largely focused on scaling proven nodule collection technologies and optimizing for minimal seafloor disturbance and environmental impact.
About The Metals Company
The Metals Company is an explorer of lower-impact battery metals from seafloor polymetallic nodules, on a dual mission: (1) supply metals for the clean energy transition with the least possible negative environmental and social impact and (2) accelerate the transition to a circular metal economy. The company through its subsidiaries holds exploration rights to three polymetallic nodule contract areas in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean regulated by the International Seabed Authority and sponsored by the governments of Nauru, Kiribati and the Kingdom of Tonga.
To stop by The Metals Company’s website, CLICK HERE
About Allseas
Allseas is a world-leading contractor in the offshore energy market, with dynamism, rapid progress and pioneering spirit at its core. Allseas specialize in offshore pipeline installation, heavy lift, and subsea construction. The company employs over 4000 people worldwide and operates a versatile fleet of specialized heavy-lift, pipelay and support vessels, designed and developed in-house.
To stop by Allseas’ website, CLICK HERE
Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!
FREE eNews delivery service to your email twice-weekly. With a focus on lead-driven news, our news service will help you develop new business contacts on an on-going basis.
CLICK HERE to register your email address.
Copyright © 2022 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
