PHASES OF SEABED MINERALS ACTIVITY

1. Exploration phase

The SBM industry is expanding all around the globe. Counties all over the world are now hard at work creating the most effective method for the secure recovery of polymetallic nodules, all while trying to have as little of an effect as possible on the marine environment. The objective of the exploratory phase is to gather scientific data so that better-informed judgments may be made about this prospective industry, which will have an effect on all of us.

Essentially, operations that include the collecting of data, such as:

• Mapping the seabed in order to get a better understanding of the subareas that could affect geology and marine biology

• Taking samples in order to have a better idea of the worth of the nodule-based mineral resource that is present there.

• The sampling and measuring of the environmental baseline, in order to ensure that analyses of possible future consequences appropriately reference the existing status of the environment.

• Engineering and economic modelling of possible mineral extraction systems.

• Impact evaluation of any proposed mineral extraction systems, including testing.

Moving from exploration to MINERAL HARVESTING

At the end of exploration, an exploration licence holder may apply for a licence to recover the nodules commercially. Again, the applicant will need to go through an application and due diligence process. 

Additionally, the applicant will need to obtain an environmental project permit. This will require the review (including public consultation) of an environmental impact assessment report.

Stakeholder engagement during both phases will be undertaken by the licence holders.

Last updated: 2 February 2022