Scandinavian Ocean Minerals (SOM AB) announces that the first part of the extensive survey work in the Bothnian Bay has been completed.
In July the Ministry of Enterprise granted exploration permits for two sea areas in the Bothnian Bay. That means Scandinavian Ocean Minerals is investigating the possibilities for gentle recovery, so-called harvesting, of manganese nodules in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. The purpose of recovering manganese nodules is to increase Sweden’s and Europe’s degree of self-sufficiency in innovation-critical minerals needed for the production of batteries and semiconductors. The pioneering technology planned for the recovery of manganese nodules moreover has the potential to save and preserve the unique ecosystem of the Baltic Sea.
“We are pleased to be able to begin this important work to explore the Bothnian Bay and its resource potential,” says CEO Peter Lindberg.
By using advanced hydrographic survey technology and seabed mapping we can gain a deeper understanding of the area and its possibilities for sustainable harvesting of manganese nodules. The hydrographic survey company Clinton Marine Survey has been engaged to carry out measurements of the topography of the Bothnian Bay, that is, water depth and the form and height differences of the seabed. During the spring of 2024 Scandinavian Ocean Minerals will continue the survey work by carrying out seabed and water sampling with the help of its own survey vessel R/V Bothnia Surveyor. Scandinavian Ocean Minerals looks forward to sharing the survey results and continuing the work of securing a sustainable recovery of innovation-critical minerals. The result of the survey work will form part of the environmental impact assessment that is to be included in the extraction application to be submitted to the government.
Peter Lindberg, CEO SOM AB
peter.lindberg@som-ab.se, +46 (0)73-617 95 20
