2H Offshore has joined Blue Mining, an international consortium comprised of 19 industry and research organizations, to develop deepwater mining solutions.
Over the next four years, the European Commission-funded project is developing seabed mining practices by creating cost-effective solutions for environmentally-friendly mining and processing in challenging and extreme environments.
“70% of the earth’s surface is covered by sea and oceans, yet we seem to know less about our ocean space than outer space,” IHC Merwede Director of Deep Sea Mining Rodney Norman said. “The world needs mining, so let’s act responsibly as explorers, scientists and engineers in this the last frontier for the expansion of mining on earth.” IHC Merwede is also a member of the Blue Mining consortium.
2H Offshore will assist in the development of the vertical transport system and will be working closely with the other consortium members to develop methods for correctly simulating the system’s response.
“Blue Mining takes a unique look at all aspects of deepwater mining, not only addressing the question of technical feasibility, but also answering questions regarding economics and sustainability,” said Graham Nicholson, 2H Offshore project manager. “We are excited to be involved in such a high-profile joint industry effort that continues to broaden the range of expertise within 2H.”