Research
Deep-Sea Mineral Extraction
Figure 1. Bathymetry of the Pacific basin.
- Support safe and clean operations
- Assess range of environmental conditions to be encountered
Deep-sea mining will be critical to maintain the supply of rare earth minerals as resources on land become increasingly less accessible. The need for these minerals is higher than ever before, growing with the rapid progression of alternative energy technology. Environmentally clean extraction of deep-sea minerals will provide an essential alternative to land-based mining. CMPS is working with Odyssey Marine Exploration to assess oceanographic conditions in the South Pacific Ocean that might be encountered during potential mining operations. Understanding the surface and deep-water conditions will allow for better mission planning, and increased environmental and ship safety. CMPS is mining big data resources to provide information relevant to extraction operations such as mean, seasonal, and shot-term climate (e.g., El Nino) conditions in ocean currents, winds, and water temperatures.