A deep-sea reverse-circulation crust drill developed by the Institute of Exploration Engineering of the China Geological Survey has been successfully deployed on the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey’s Haima (Sea Horse) remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during ocean cruise 41B, where it was used for core sampling in a cobalt-rich crust area. This was the first time a drill has been successfully carried and operated by a Chinese deep-sea ROV.
Working at a depth of 1,500 meters, the crust drill for the first time carried out surveying synchronized with acoustic thickness-measurement equipment, revealing the true thickness of the cobalt-rich crust at the survey stations. The operation expanded the capabilities of the Haima deep-sea ROV, further verified the acoustic thickness measurements, and improved China’s capacity to survey and evaluate cobalt-rich crust resources in the ocean. The results of the operation were reported on China Central Television news programs.
