Key points
- Polymetallic nodules in the Clarion Cliffton Zone of the Pacific Ocean contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese; a water jet flow lift system collects them while separating and returning seafloor mud.
- Collected nodules travel via compressed air bubbles through a steel pipe to a production vessel; excess particles are returned to depths below 1,200 meters.
- At the portside plant, nodules are heated in a rotary kiln and melted in an electric arc furnace, producing manganese silicate and a nickel-copper-cobalt alloy for electric vehicle batteries.
- The operation includes an adaptive management system with deep sea sensors and cloud-based AI that creates a digital twin and monitors in real time.
