Key points
- Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI), a subsidiary of DeepGreen Metals sponsored by the government of Nauru, holds a UN International Seabed Authority contract area of 5,000 square kilometers between Hawaii and Mexico, more than 3,500 times the size of Nauru.
- A two-month survey campaign found continuous fields of polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper, in greater abundance than previously thought; Nauru is planning a total of seven exploration campaigns.
- NORI expects production technology to take five to seven years to develop before Nauru can begin producing metals, with royalties paid to Nauru once production starts.
- NORI has provided scholarships, plans employment and training during future offshore campaigns, and is supporting the Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation’s rehabilitation plan.
