Various types of datasets have been gathered, and it is time for more detailed analysis in the coming months and years. The research expedition gained valuable experience collecting environmental data parallel to geological core sampling and geophysical data and monitoring the entire operation, where the operational data will be utilised to improve future data collection and technological solutions.

- A crucial part of this project meeting was ensuring good dialogue and learning across the different work packages, says Anette Broch Mathisen Tvedt, project manager and CEO of Adepth Minerals.

The overall ambition for the project is to establish the basis for a complete value chain with less environmental and climate footprint compared to existing land-based value chains.

- This is quite an ambitious goal, but we are moving in the right direction, and it is vital to get a holistic view, says Anette, who is very happy to head such an experienced and complementary team.

A vital part of the project meeting was visiting the project partners Seabed Solutions, NOV and ReSiTec. This allowed us to see the FlexiCore^TM used for core sampling, a wide range of equipment, and new digital solutions developed by NOV. We also learned more about equipment and methodology for processing at ReSiTec.

– It has been two inspiring days full of learning. I strongly believe in the project team, and at the same time, I know that if Norway is to contribute to the mineral extraction for the energy transition, it is because we find ways of doing it that are significantly better for people and the environment than the way it is done today, says Nina Solvang project director at Future Materials Norwegian Catapult Centre and work package manager for processing.

The project plans to present some of the preliminary results at the upcoming Underwater Mining Conference (UMC) and Deep Sea Minerals Conference later this year. More scientific papers are planned to be published in due time.