DEEPWATER SEAFLOOR RESOURCE PRODUCTION - DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD'S NEXT OFFSHORE FRONTIER

摘要

A new seafloor resource industry is today focused on the exploration and recovery of high-grade copper and gold in seafloor massive-sulphide (SMS) mineralization. Work is in progress to commercially develop the first such deposit (Solwara 1) in 1,600 meters water depth in the benign Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea. Environmental, geological and engineering studies conducted to date have culminated in a number of world firsts, including the first Environmental Permit granted for the extraction of SMS deposits and the first NI 43-101 compliant SMS deposit resource statement.Design of the mining system has been based on proven deepwater technologies from the oil and gas industry. Pipeline trenching units, ROVs, deepwater production risers and drill cuttings removal systems will be adapted to initiate this new and exciting industry.