Subsea Minerals Sampling

摘要

Description Overview (Basis of the Paper)rnThe paper provides an overview of underwater sampling processes in the context of mineral resource development. The paperrnprovides a background and outline for the need for new and existing sampling systems and further highlights the frequentrndisparity between current technology and underwater minerals sampling needs. Furthermore provides insight into the keyrnsuccess factors pertaining to offshore minerals sampling. The paper is based on 20 years of practical consulting and projectrnexperience in the underwater mining space working with a diverse set of clients and client needs.rnUnderwater mining has been practiced for centuries, but in recent times we have seen both successes and failures. As landrnbased resources diminish and technology developments progress, underwater mining has become increasingly accepted as arnviable alternative source of minerals to land based resources. Successful operations are built on sound system identificationrnand development processes of these resources, the equipment and the management processes. In the current market raisingrncapital for funding such projects is proving more difficult and as such it is important to not only focus on the technicalrnsolutions for extracting the minerals but also on the identification and definition of the resource to ensure a financiallyrnsustainable success.rnSystems currently available in the market are typically systems developed for geotechnical work related to the scientificrncommunity and the Oil and Gas industry. Although these systems are adequate to perform the initial exploration stage of thernresource definition process, they are proving to be limited in their ability to meet the needs of the new and growing underwaterrnmining industry. Cost and the lack of speed (cost per meter drilled), of these systems is proving to be a limiting factor in thernidentification and definition of the resource. This deficiency is certainly more pronounced when it comes to the phasesrnrelating to the ongoing development and extraction of the mineral body.rnIt is in light of this that a new generation of faster and more cost effective sampling systems and methods need to berndeveloped. Added to this need is the requirement for additional functionality (geo-technical and online realtime resourcernevaluation) to enable concession holders to achieve multiple goals with a single exploration / sampling program and equipmentrnspread. The system further has to be able to perform in a manner that meets with the relevant regulatory requirements, be theyrnenvironmental or commercial (e.g. UNCLOS and NI 43-101).rnWith a thorough understanding of all the requirements from the exploration stage; through the resource development stage andrnfinally during the mineral extraction phase, a series of tools and equipment can be developed that shall form a solid foundationrnfor the sustainable and financially viable extraction of minerals from the seafloor.rnThe information provided shall be beneficial to businesses intending to or are already involved with the exploration andrndevelopment of potential offshore mineral resources as well as engineers involved in the development of underwater samplingrnsystems.