The EMINENT summit in Bergen on 9 December gathered more than 100 people to learn about the main results from the three-years project.
The project contained three research cruises providing the basis for new knowledge and innovative solutions throughout the entire value chain for seabed minerals.
Project highlights:
- Advancing environmental monitoring methodologies using AI analysis of images and video in combination with eDNA to fast-track and increase our understanding of the deep-sea ecosystem.
- New mineral discoveries showing significantly higher copper ore grades compared to land have strengthened geological understanding and the business case.
- Demonstrated and commercialised improved coring technology.
- Advanced parallel operations and rapid onboard decision-making.
- Developed conceptual design for a low-impact production system.
- Developed beneficiation flowsheets, demonstrated that premium-grade copper concentrate can be produced from seafloor massive sulphides.
- Bioleaching experiments demonstrating efficient extraction of copper, zinc, and cobalt using bacteria, pointing to alternative low-impact extraction methods.
The industry is confident that seabed minerals will be profitable and come with a significantly improved environmental and climate footprint compared to land-based mining. Higher ore grades discovered are a main reason behind this, but also flexible offshore infrastructure and transport at sea, which is by far the most cost-efficient.
EMINENT is partly funded by the Green Platform program, which supports the best projects driving the green transition – taking care of the climate and environment while creating economic value.
See the project webpage for more information: https://www.eminent-project.com/
