Key points
- Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR), DEME’s deep-sea exploratory subsidiary, signed an MOU with Japan’s Deep Ocean Resources Development Co. (DORD) for a joint polymetallic nodule demonstration test.
- The partnership targets a System Integration Test in the early 2030s within DORD’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone license area, at depths exceeding 4,000 meters.
- GSR performed the first polymetallic nodule collection test at 4,500 meters in 2021 using its Patania II collector.
- DORD, established in 1982 under Japan’s METI, has explored its CCZ license area continuously since 2001.
Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR), the deep-sea exploratory subsidiary of DEME, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Deep Ocean Resources Development Co., Ltd. (DORD) of Japan to conduct a joint demonstration test aimed at the potential co-development of polymetallic nodule resources within DORD’s exploration license area in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Under the MOU, GSR will provide its technical knowledge and operational expertise to support DORD’s program.
A key objective of the partnership is the execution of a System Integration Test (SIT) in the early 2030s within the DORD contract area. This test will validate the safe and reliable operation of an integrated commercial-scale mining system, including a seafloor collector, vertical transport system, and surface vessel, at depths exceeding 4,000 meters. The SIT will include a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, combining GSR’s offshore operational experience with DORD’s extensive environmental and geological dataset built up over decades of exploration work in the area.
The agreement highlights the increasing strategic importance of diversifying supply chains for critical minerals. Polymetallic nodules contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, essential metals for the global clean-energy transition, electric vehicle batteries, wind energy systems, and the rapidly expanding data center infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence technologies. The Government of Japan has designated the development of these resources as a national priority under its Fourth Basic Plan on Ocean Policy, led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
DORD, established through public-private investment in 1982 and operating under METI’s supervision, has conducted continuous exploration of its license area since 2001. GSR holds its own ISA exploration contract in the CCZ and, in 2021, became the first company to successfully perform a polymetallic nodule collection test at 4,500 meters depth using its pre-prototype collector, Patania II.
Kris Van Nijen, Managing Director of GSR, commented: “We are pleased to partner with DORD to support the development of their license area in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. By bringing together GSR’s pioneering deep-sea mining technology with DORD’s deep knowledge of their exploration area, we can work toward a System Integration Test that will generate the critical environmental and technical data needed for responsible development.”
All activities carried out under the MOU will take place within the DORD license area and will comply fully with the ISA’s exploration regulations and environmental guidelines.
About DEME
DEME (Euronext Brussels: DEME) is a leading contractor in the fields of offshore energy, dredging and marine infrastructure, and environmental remediation. DEME also engages in concessions activities in offshore wind, marine infrastructure, green hydrogen, and deep-sea mineral harvesting.
The company can build on 150 years of experience and is a front-runner in innovation and new technologies. DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges, including climate change, a growing population and urbanization, increasing maritime trade, and environmental issues.
With a team of approximately 6,000 highly skilled professionals and one of the most advanced fleets in the world, DEME is well-positioned to tackle even the most complex projects. DEME realized a turnover of 4.2 billion euros with an EBITDA of 931 million euros in 2025. For more information, please visit www.deme-group.com.