Using Automation to Reduce Risk in Deep Sea Mining

Deep Sea Mining (DSM) is seen as a new means to secure minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper from rock concentrations known as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic vents, or cobalt-rich crusts. These minerals are key in achieving the transition away from fossil fuels. Minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies – from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles. There are concerns over the possible environmental impact of DSM, and these concerns must balance with concerns over the impacts of continued use of fossil fuels. This presentation will consider the ways in which automation technology can help in this challenge as the world continues to transition away from fossil fuels, including minimizing ecosystem disruption, reducing the footprint of mining equipment, minimizing noise and light pollution, reducing harm to the environment, and maintaining safety systems.