Pelagic Research Services has developed a program and tools to support the collection of environmental data during exploration, mining and post-mining operations to meet requirements of the regulations of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). We can provide precise sampling in the deep seas to deliver data for baseline surveys, before, during, and after mining activities. This can be for all deep-sea mineral types: Ferromanganese Crusts, Polymetallic Sulphides and Polymetallic Nodules.
PRS Odysseus deep-water ROV System is a science class/work class ROV – designed to work at depths to 6000 meters to support standard and client-specific environmental sampling:
- Greater than 15 to 20 push cores per dive – cores can be greater than 20 cm in length
- Bioboxes for fauna collection
- Broadcast quality HD (4K supportable) video and high-resolution still imagery
- Scaling lasers
- Customized video and data logging system
- Large quantity bulk sampling capability
- Thousands of pounds through-frame lift capability
Polymetallic Nodules
Specific to Polymetallic Nodules, PRS has designed a program with tools to collect large quantities of nodules for bulk sampling with ROV features including:
A) Continuous operation for sampling program – keeping ROV on the sea floor to minimize transit time and maximize sample collection time. A continuous collection basket system – each individual basket hold thousands of kilos per basket. Passive filter system to reduce large particulate plume and minimize plume during ascent
B) Precise measurement of impacted sea floor – with a goal of keeping impacted area below 10,000 M2 area impact, which would trigger need for Environmental Impact assessment for a bulk sampling program
C) Minimize associated sediment removal during nodule collection – precision collection
D) Collect nodules up to 20 cm with speed and efficiency
E) Ship-based filter system available to reduce or eliminate plume during nodule handling
PRS has expert knowledge in the ISA regulations and goals. We can advise clients in the development, implementation and monitoring of specific programs for sustainable deep-sea mining that minimizes the environmental impacts to deep-sea and ocean ecosystems.
PRS has expert engineering design and fabrication of deep-sea tools for environmental sampling and bulk sampling equipment, including ROVs and ROV-mounted or ship-deployed systems.
PRS is a service provider that delivers outstanding professional teams with extensive heavy offshore industry and science support experience to implement exploration, baseline, and monitoring campaigns.
PRS has developed its programs with the goal of providing significant training opportunities for developing states and ISA employees as required by ISA.