Part 6/9:
The extraction of nodules from the deep sea is fraught with technological challenges. Companies have begun to adapt methods from the oil and gas industry, employing autonomous submarines to locate suitable mining zones. The physical removal of nodules necessitates advanced equipment that can efficiently navigate the seafloor and collect nodules with minimal disruption.
Once dislodged, transporting the nodules to the surface introduces significant engineering hurdles, where methods involving compressed air or centrifugal pumps are under consideration. The environmental implications of the mining process, particularly the disposal of sludge, raise further concerns about the impact on marine ecosystems.