The Norwegian Research Council has funded a project to explore the resource potential of seabed mining off the country’s coast. MarMine is the first comprehensive research program of its kind in Norway and combines the expertise of 13 companies and research institutions.

The 25 million NOK ($2.8 million) project will conduct an exploratory and sampling cruise to selected areas of the Norwegian part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to obtain geological, mineral, environmental and biological samples. The recovery potential of seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) ore will be assessed along with the technology required to process it.

The team will deliver a concept for mining and exploitation of the studied deposits based on the assessment of the rock’s mechanical and mineralogical properties. It will also conduct an ecological baseline study and eco-toxicological tests to assess environmental impact of the mining to support guidelines and best available practices.

An exploration cruise is planned in the third quarter this year and will run for approximately four weeks. The work will involve sampling using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

In a 2013 pre-project, estimations indicated that the region could contain as much as NOK 1,000 billion ($110 billion) worth of minerals and metals. Specific areas along the MAR were pinpointed as promising for discovery of new sulfide deposits.

The project is being coordinated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and other participants.

Read the full story: maritime-executive.com
Photo: CH- VisitNorway.com