The Metals Company Announced Conclusion Of Its Latest Offshore Scientific Research Campaign To Assess Seafloor Impacts And Recovery Rates 12 Months After The Pilot Nodule Collection System Test Conducted By Its NORI Subsidiary

Author: Benzinga Newsdesk | December 28, 2023 09:08am

• Researchers with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) successfully gathered further environmental data on ecosystem recovery and functioning as part of its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to characterise the potential impacts of proposed polymetallic nodule collection operations.
• Despite illegal disruptions from Greenpeace International aimed at hindering the collection of environmental data, researchers were able to complete the major components of the scientific work scope slated for the campaign, and are encouraged by preliminary qualitative assessments.
• Scientists used several seafloor sampling devices, a remotely operated vehicle and lander systems to assess impacts to biota, seafloor geochemistry and ecosystem recovery on the seafloor in the NORI-D area of the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ).
• Building on the rich data gathered from 20 offshore campaigns over the last 11 years, with cumulative ESIA spending of ~$150 million, the results from the latest campaign will inform NORI's application to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for a commercial exploitation contract.

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