1. Utilisation of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) in Deep Sea Mining
Robert Garbett | Chief Executive | Drone Major Group

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4. What’s driving demand for deep sea mining?
• The race to expand renewable energy and the batteries to
store it
• Demand got precious metals for the technology industry
Challenges
• Industry caught between the money and the environment
• Concerns over underwater ecosystem damage
• Investment in an industry faces moratorium
Image - Growing demand for minerals in low-carbon technologies. Source: World Bank, 2019

5. Scope
Deep sea mining involves the retrieval of
minerals and deposits from the ocean floor
found at depths of 200 metres (660 ft), up to
6,500 metres (21,300 ft).

6. Drones in Deep Sea Mining
• Drones are currently being used for the recovery of:
o Polymetallic nodules
o Cobalt-rich crusts
o Seafloor massive sulphides
• Technology is advancing rapidly and companies are expandin
the use of Ai to minimise the environmental
• Focus is on mining but expansion is expected to monitor and
record the effects on the environment
• Future systems could be employed to mitigate the impact –
filtering,
• Wider use of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is
expected above the surface in support of operations

7. Manufacturer of underwater robotics nodule harvesting and bio-extraction technologies which
collect critical battery metals from the seabed while protecting the seafloor ecosystem. Latest
developments include avoidance of nodule fauna, no significant plume, no return water, no impact
to sediment structure or sediment fauna. Low light and noise pollution.
Technologies
Independent advice from those who know

9. Manufacturer of underwater robotics nodule harvesting and bio-extraction technologies which
collect critical battery metals from the seabed while protecting the seafloor ecosystem. Latest
developments include avoidance of nodule fauna, no significant plume, no return water, no impact
to sediment structure or sediment fauna. Low light and noise pollution.
Supplier of maritime technology including nodule collection system called Apollo 2. This system is
designed to take in less water and sediment than other systems of its kind, and importantly it
recirculates sediment clouds back into the collector reducing large sediment clouds.
Technologies
Independent advice from those who know

11. Manufacturer of underwater robotics nodule harvesting and bio-extraction technologies which
collect critical battery metals from the seabed while protecting the seafloor ecosystem. Latest
developments include avoidance of nodule fauna, no significant plume, no return water, no impact
to sediment structure or sediment fauna. Low light and noise pollution.
Supplier of maritime technology including nodule collection system called Apollo 2. This system is
designed to take in less water and sediment than other systems of its kind, and importantly it
recirculates sediment clouds back into the collector reducing large sediment clouds.
Specialists in the fields of dredging, land reclamation, marine infrastructure, offshore energy and
environmental remediation. DEME’s systems include the Patania II, a purpose-built prototype
nodule collector currently being trialed in 4,500 m water depth in the Pacific Ocean, separating
nodules from substrate at the seafloor.
Technologies
Independent advice from those who know

13. Manufacturer of underwater robotics nodule harvesting and bio-extraction technologies which
collect critical battery metals from the seabed while protecting the seafloor ecosystem. Latest
developments include avoidance of nodule fauna, no significant plume, no return water, no impact
to sediment structure or sediment fauna. Low light and noise pollution.
Supplier of maritime technology including nodule collection system called Apollo 2. This system is
designed to take in less water and sediment than other systems of its kind, and importantly it
recirculates sediment clouds back into the collector reducing large sediment clouds.
Specialists in the fields of dredging, land reclamation, marine infrastructure, offshore energy and
environmental remediation. DEME’s systems include the Patania II, a purpose-built prototype
nodule collector currently being trialed in 4,500 m water depth in the Pacific Ocean, separating
nodules from substrate at the seafloor.
Soil Machine Dynamics specialise in the design, manufacture and deployment of remotely operated
and autonomous power and control solutions, including various remotely operated heavy tracked
trenchers with multiple tools and interchangeable cartridges to suit every soil combination,
including rock and clay chains, jetters, dredges, educators and backfill tools.
Technologies
Independent advice from those who know

15. Manufacturer of power solutions and computational tools for offshore applications including
seafloor mapping, meteorology and marine animal conservation. Seatrec has developed
underwater energy harvesting charging stations for mining drones. The company’s technology
harnesses the pressure changes that result from such phase changes in order to generate
electricity.
Related Technologies
Independent advice from those who know

17. Manufacturer of power solutions and computational tools for offshore applications including
seafloor mapping, meteorology and marine animal conservation. Seatrec has developed
underwater energy harvesting charging stations for mining drones. The company’s technology
harnesses the pressure changes that result from such phase changes in order to generate
electricity.
Ocean Infinity create innovative robotic technology to transform operations at sea including a real-
time, digital environment integrating individual platform control systems, navigation and data,
custom built robotic ships for a variety of offshore tasks spanning offshore energy, logistics,
defence and science. In addition, Ocean Infinity have a fleet of smaller uncrewed vehicles (USVs)
and the largest fleet of deep-water AUVs suitable for survey and environmental operations.
Related Technologies
Independent advice from those who know
There is a huge range of suppliers offering RAS technology which could support deep sea mining operations in:
LOGISTICS | ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING | ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS | SECURITY | COMMUNICATIONS | POWER GENERATION
SEARCH & RESUE | NOISE MOITORING | CONDITION SURVEY | MAINTENANCE

21. Drone Major Group Limited www.dronemajorgroup.com info@dronemajorgroup.com +44(0)2074584088
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