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By Mikhail P. Torokhov

Typical coastal placers leave no doubt that placer accumulation can result in significant concentration of heavy minerals in marine shallow water environment. However, the same situation is quite predictable for guyot?s slopes at stages of submarine volcano formation and later submersion of guyots to a depth of up to 3-4 km. Where these placers could be found is also clear ? in coastal facies (as typical coastal placers), and in morphological traps down guyot slopes in zones of active submarine currents. The latter could be cracks in rocks, shallow depressions, spurs, and structures, such as coral reefs, stromatholiths, and even ferromanganese crusts. The last of these have been studied carefully by the author in the Magellan Seamounts and on the Mid-Pacific Rise: tens of minerals, including mineral forms of PGE, REE, Mo, W, Te, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, &Zn were identified as a xenogenic (trash) minerals. The detailed study of polished epoxydized sections, showed that interstitial spaces of Fe-Mn botryoids are enriched in heavy minerals (predominantly titanomagnetite). Taking into account the irregular character of crust surfaces and their position in active water environment, we can definitely state that they are the ideal traps for placer minerals. Study of guyot basaltic matter showed the presence of similar REE, PGE minerals that are in the crusts, and the same (mostly) micron sizes of minerals. High content of PGE in some basaltic varieties (up to 1 ppm) suggests that this is a reasonable source of these elements in the crusts, rather than the water column (which is normally considered to be the case by most marine scientists). Predominance of Pt in hydrogenous (?) crusts is interpreted as due to the better stability of Pt mineral forms during weathering and transportation (these are isoferroplatinum, and silicides). Comparison of 143Nd/144Nd values in bulk crusts, heavy fraction of crusts, basalts, and water column supports the author?s idea, that a significant part of REE also comes from basaltic matter (in form of monazite, CeO2 etc.).

Jan 1, 2004

By Takashi Ito

Numerous studies have examined the distribution of deep-sea manganese deposits throughout geologic history. Here I summarize the recent results, focusing on the frequency of occurrence, burial age and mechanism, and the paleoceanographic implications.

By Alexey Musatov, Georgy Cherkashov

Based on geochronological data it was confirmed that hydrothermal discharge has an episodic character: active and inactive periods of the seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) formation alternate (Cherkashov et al., 2017). There is an assumption of correlation of the periods of magmatic and hydrothermal activity with the stages of glaciation (Lund et al., 2016). During the cold periods, the level of the ocean was reduced from 70 to 150 m depending on the glaciation scale (Spratt, Lisiecki, 2016). As a result, the hydrospheric pressure on the upper mantle decreased and could provide increased magmatic and hydrothermal activity (Lund, Asimow, 2011). This assumption is confirmed by the correlation of warming and cooling stages with increasing of hydrothermal input to the bottom sediment near hydrothermal fields. According to data (Lund et al., 2014, 2016; Middleton et al., 2015) the peaks of hydrothermal activity, expressed in the layers of metalliferous sediments at the East Pacific Rise and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, roughly correspond to the last two periods of cooling (20 and 60 ka). To test this hypothesis, we tried to compare the sequence of warm and cold periods in the Pleistocene with the dating of SMS reflecting the periods of hydrothermal activity. Results SMS samples were obtained from 12 sites within the Russian Exploration Area at the MAR segment 12-20°N. The results of dating 198 samples by the 230Th/U method demonstrated the absence of correlation between hydrothermal activity periods in different hydrothermal fields (Cherkashov et al., 2017). It was proposed that each field has its own evolutions scenario. Considering this point, only the oldest SMS dating for each field which fixed the beginning of hydrothermal activity was selected for comparison with the cold/warming periods.

Jan 1, 2018

By Gérald Riverin

Over the past century, exploration methods for volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits have evolved in response to a decreasing number of discoveries made by traditional surface prospecting and by ground and airborne geophysics. Statistical trends support the concept that fewer and fewer outcropping and sub-cropping VMS discoveries will be made in the future. In turn, this creates new opportunities to develop more sophisticated exploration models and techniques to explore at greater depth and to make blind discoveries. Current exploration models include various combinations of geological, geochemical and geophysical criteria which have been based on the results of land-based VMS research. The role of seafloor research in the development of these models has so far been only of a subordinate nature, perhaps due to a lack of direct involvment of the exploration industry in the seafloor research, and vice-versa for the seafloor researchers in VMS exploration. Another contributing factor is that exploration relies on exploration criteria that result from detailed geological, geochemical and geophysical studies of both footwall and hanging wall rocks, studies that are not possible in modern sea floor environments. Nevertheless, seafoor research has contributed to our understanding of the growth of sulphide mounds, the mechanism of sulphide deposition and of the chemistry of fluids involved in VMS systems. In particular, the role of structure and of tectonic setting has been clarified through observation of active seafloor hydrothermal systems. In turn, observations made in land-based VMS research has helped seafloor researchers to focus on key issues which, will eventually contribute to improved exploration models.

Jan 1, 1998

By J. Robert Woolsey

A unique concept for a self-cleaning filter system has been designed and constructed which utilizes acoustic energy, coupled hydraulically with a subject liquid media, and a fine mesh screen to perform the following: 1. separation of solid suspended particles from a host liquid through the breakdown of surface tension; 2. enhanced filtration of liquid fraction from the solids fraction to specified limits, retaining a specified size range of solids, and; 3. continuous cleaning of screen, preventing screen blinding and promoting a continuous filtration process. The concept is the product of a cooperative program between the Marine Minerals Technology Center, Continental Shelf Division, and the Moscow State Mining University. The physical principals involved in the separation, filtration, and screen cleaning processes primarily relate to the characteristics and properties of the applied acoustic energy and the influence of this energy on the solids/liquid mixture. The acoustic energy introduced to, and acting on and throughout, the whole volume of the solids/liquid mixture, within the vessel body at any given time induces hydraulic pressure waves, which may be further described in simplest form as positive and negative semiperiods (which may or may not be equal in amplitude or period) of the basic wave forms. The processes involved may be considered in two phases. The first phase relates to the process of separation in which the acoustically induced force of acceleration manifests as vibro-agitation (thresh- old of cavitation) and possibly cavitation is the primary factor in the breakdown of surface tension between the solid particles and suspending liquid; i.e. water. In the case of compressible organic solids, the separation of liquid by squeezing may also be a factor.

Jan 1, 1994

By Ivo Dreiseitl

Bottom sediment sampling by means of a box corer, as a direct method of deep seabed exploration for polymetallic nodules, is the most comprehensive way to obtain various types of geological information on points forming a network of stations. However, direct information is lacking from areas separating those stations and has to be approximated by interpolation or extrapolation, which leads to uncertainties. Sediment sampling with a gravity or piston corer can provide information on the superficial, up to 4 m thick, part of the sedimentary cover. As opposed to box coring, gravity or piston coring provides no information on nodule abundance. Information for unsampled areas can be gained by application of remote techniques of exploration. The techniques of choice in visualising nodule-rich fields, nodule-free areas, hard rock outcrops and other obstacles for seafloor mining involve using sonar and continuous deep sea (CDS) camera. Seafloor mapping can be rendered with two major sonar types: the side scan sonar used to obtain seafloor imagery and multibeam sonar for bathymetric data; the two types are usually combined and work with an intermediate frequency profiler. Photo-profiling by means of a deep sea towed camera provides a series of seafloor photographs, each supplemented with information on the area covered by each frame, including the nodule abundance. Remote techniques have been quite frequently applied by the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM) in nodule field exploration. Recently, geoacoustic techniques (side scan sonar + profiler) and CDS were applied for exploration of IOM?s first prime area H11 (5372 km2) on 6 transects. During the IOM-2009 cruise, a total of 295 km of geoacoustic transects and 344 km of photo-transects were surveyed. The data obtained were processed with the aid of earlier information produced by multibeam sonar surveys. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the advantages of remote techniques, particularly with regard to application of the towfish device, for geological and geotechnical applications in exploration for polymetallic nodules.

Sep 14, 2011

By Gale L. Hubred

Kennecott?s Ledgemont Laboratory developed the Cuprion Process to recover metal values from manganese nodules in the early 1970s. A reducing leach of monovalent cuprous ion attacks the manganese oxide matrix, converting the manganese dioxide to manganese carbonate and releasing the copper, nickel, cobalt, and zinc as ammine complexes. Cuprous ion is generated by contacting leach liquor with carbon monoxide. Copper, and nickel, are recovered by solvent extraction and electrowinning. Cobalt is precipitated as cobalt sulfide and recovered as cobalt powder. Manganese, molybdenum, and zinc can be recovered optionally but have not been included in this process. Kennecott authors have described aspects of the process, but the Cuprion process has not been revealed except in patents. Tables are included for capital and operating costs and revenue. Even though economic recovery of nodules is not anticipated in the foreseeable future, some of the process steps may have application in other places. The Ledgemont Laboratory was a unique operation we think worth documenting. The report is based upon work done up until the mid 1970s. The report represents the work of the entire Kennecott nodule team. It is this author?s intention to save this result and credit the work of that nodule team. The paper is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Herbert Barner, a key member of the team who died in 2003.

Jan 1, 2005

By Paul M. Vercruijsse

Deep sea mining operations by nature are performed (or planned) in challenging environments. Another typifying characteristic of deep sea mining operations is the relatively high investment cost. This combination challenges engineers to design configurations able to mine the desired production rate in an efficient way. As design choices made for individual systems impact other parts of the system, it is vital to follow an integral approach to establish the one optimal overall system. Dredging and especially dredge mining learns that the excavation system, the slurry transportation system and the processing plant cannot be considered as individual sub-systems. These systems in any ?traditional dredge mining? operation interrelate to such extend that they must be developed towards an integral solution. The nominal production, peak production and variability of these figures must match for all subsystems in the overall mining system to optimize the mining efficiency. We call this the ?game of capacities?.

Jan 1, 2011

By Raymond A. Binns

Exploration for undersea polymetallic sulfide mineral resources with high economic potential would be more effective given an ability to predict sites with particularly high gold contents (averaging say > 10 ppm Au). Herzig et al (1993) addressed this issue shortly after recognition that deposits in the back-arc Lau Basin (average 3.8 ppm Au) were enriched in gold relative to mid-ocean ridge sites (average 1.2 ppm Au). Small but significant numbers of hydrothermal sites with massive sulfide deposits averaging >10 ppm Au have since been discovered. The principal genetic factors underlying gold enrichment include depositional processes at and below the seabed, and the source of gold. It is timely to consider whether resolution of their relative importance can be translated into practical criteria for exploration strategies focused on especially gold-rich deposits. Comparing the ?grade? of seafloor deposits using analyses cited in research papers is fraught with difficulty, but there is no alternative at present to assuming that such averages provide an initial tenor guide. On this basis, four known polymetallic hydrothermal sites from convergent plate margins fit the exceptional-gold category with >10 ppm ?average? Au, while one from a divergent margin comes close: Sunrise (Myojin Knolls; 20 ppm ?average? Au) and Suiyo Seamount (28 ppm Au) in the Izu-Bonin Arc are frontal arc volcanoes dominated by rhyolite and dacite respectively, contrasting with more common mafic neighbor edifices (Iizasa et al., 1999). In both cases gold-rich massive sulfides occur in summit calderas with significant development of pumiceous volcaniclastic rocks, at depths around 1300 and 1370 m respectively. In the Eastern Manus Basin, PACMANUS (~1700 m; 14 ppm Au) and Suzette (~1550 m; 22 ppm Au) occur along the crests of volcanic ridges dominated by dacite/rhyodacite and andesite/mafic dacite respectively (Binns, 2004). Caldera structures are lacking. Although the Eastern Manus Basin is tectonically a rifted back-arc, its submarine volcanic edifices (picritic basalt to rhyodacite) have distinctly arc-style geochemical and isotopic affinities, differing from more typical back-arc basin basalts at the spreading axis further west (central Manus Basin). Probably as a consequence of transpression and a marked rupture in the New Britain subduction zone, submarine arc volcanism has here extended into the rifted back-arc region.

Jan 1, 2005

By Ian J. Graham

Brothers volcano, in the southern Kermadec Arc, is host to two hydrothermal vent fields with very different geology, permeability, vent fluid compositions and mineralogy (see de Ronde et al. and Ditchburn et al. this volume). The NW caldera site contains mineral deposits (sulfide chimneys and crusts), which are either Cu-rich (?magmatic?) or, more commonly, Zn-rich (?epithermal?). The lower cone site, in contrast, is characterized by native sulfur mounds and spires. It has been proposed (see de Ronde et al. this volume) that the metals, especially Cu and possibly also Au, enter the hydrothermal system via injection and degassing of magma and/or the dissolution of metal-rich glasses. They are then transported rapidly upwards via magmatic volatiles along long (c. 2.5 km), narrow (c. 300 m diameter) pipes, consistent with evidence of vent fluids forming at higher than hydrostatic pressures, at relatively shallow depths. The NW caldera and cone sites may represent stages along a continuum between magmatic-hydrothermal and water/rock-dominated end-members. In this context, investigation of melt inclusions in conjunction with other geochemical and petrological research was carried out to ascertain the metal transporting conditions that may have led to mineral deposition and ore formation. Sixteen melt inclusions in plagioclase were analyzed for their chemical compositions from a typical cone dacite sample using LA-ICPMS at the University of Tasmania. The inclusions are typically glassy and commonly occur with other inclusions such as apatite, clinopyroxene, zircon, magnetite, sulfides and/or low-density fluids (Fig. 1). Major (XRF) and trace element (ICPMS) analyses were performed on whole rock samples collected during the 2005 Shinkai 6500 expedition. Haase et al., (2006) has also reported EPMA glass analyses from cone dacites, which may be used for comparison (Table 1). [ ]

Jan 1, 2010

By Robert G. Ditchburn

Msjflkcisokng During the past sixteen years, GNS Science has developed a number of radiometric methods for dating massive sulfide samples from submarine arc and back-arc volcanoes. This has improved our understanding of the formation of these hydrothermal systems, the frequency and duration of their activity, and assisted marine mineral exploration companies in assessing the economic potential of these deposits that can be rich in copper, zinc and gold (up to 90 ppm Au in some chimneys). The radiometric dating methods that we employ utilize radium isotopes that are extracted from the host rocks without their parent thorium isotopes, by ascending, hot, acidic hydrothermal fluids. When the hydrothermal fluid discharges into cold seawater, chemically similar barium and radium co-precipitate as barite, a common mineral contained within the black smoker chimneys that grow upwards from the seafloor. From the onset of mineralization, the isotopes 228Ra and 226Ra (with half-lives of 5.75 yrs and 1600 yrs, respectively) begin to decay, so that the 228Ra/226Ra and 226Ra/Ba values decrease with time. Thus, samples can be dated using these ratios once the initial values, i.e., the values at the onset of mineralization, have been established, ideally from active chimneys. 228Ra decays to 228Th (half-life 1.91 yrs) and from the 228Th/228Ra values, the growth-rate of individual chimneys can be estimated. The isotope 210Pb (half-life 22.3 yrs) is occasionally used for dating the mineralization, although several samples from a chimney are needed to determine an age from the 210Pb grown from 226Ra, using the isochron technique.

Sep 14, 2011

By T. Yamazaki, R. Arai, N. Nakatani, K. Kuroda

"These 40 years, deep-sea mining for manganese nodules, cobalt-rich manganese crusts, and seafloor massive sulfides has been continuously business and R&D targets. The economy is the most important factor for realizing the venture. Some technological options to increase the economy of deep-sea mining are introduced. They are a mechanical lift, waste rejections on seafloor, a substrate recovery as byproduct, and a pulp lift. An example application of one of the options is economically examined. Not only the same type examinations but also some technological clarifications of the options in detail are necessary.BACKGROUNDManganese nodules (nodule), seafloor massive sulfides (SMS), and cobalt-rich manganese crusts (crust) have been well recognized as future metal sources these 40 years. Among them, the nodule was the first recognized ones. The mining technologies for the deep-sea mineral resources, therefore, have been mainly developed in the major R&D projects for the nodule.The mining systems considered were shuttle miner, continuous line bucket (CLB), and hydraulic dredge ones. The shuttle miner system studied by France was a kind of basic study for autonomous underwater vehicle. The CLB system was an effective approach for a small scale and less investment cost mining (Masuda and Cruickshank, 1995). However, both were considered not effective for a bulk scale production rate mining such as 1.5 million tons per year in dry weight. In the hydraulic dredge system, a steel-pipe and flexible-hose conduit for nodule transportation named “pipestring” and a hydraulic pumpup instrument for creation of upward water flow in the pipestring named “pump-lift” or “air-lift” were adapted and developed. Hence, the hydraulic dredge system became the main stream in the mining system."

Jan 1, 2017

By Demoor Damien

"The exploitation of marine resources has enjoyed renewed interest with a completely new sector, that of the Deep Sea Mining of mineral resources in the seabed, that is now gaining momentum. Nevertheless, the significant environmental constraints represent a challenge for initiating these new activities, whether this is in terms of the knowledge of the concerned ecosystems or in terms of monitoring and minimizing the impact of these new activities. This paper presents 2 technologies that aim to respond to the expectations of the stakeholders in this area. The first consists of the real-time monitoring of installations/operations and their impact on the environment using the most modern underwater technologies and especially long-term deployment AUV based on AUV docking station solution and autonomous long term observatories. The second consists of a membrane allowing the confinement of an area, the reduction of the emission of particles in suspension and noise reduction.IntroductionDeep ocean environments have been explored since the mid-1800s. As the land-based reserves of hydrocarbons and minerals become depleted, increasing numbers of resourcebased projects are being proposed for shallow then deepwater environments. Two distinct resource sectors have recognized the potential commercial value of working in shallow and deepwater environments – Oil and Gas and now Mining."

Jan 1, 2017

By Richard Harrison, Frank Lim

"Lifting of slurry from the seabed mining machine to the surface production vessel is a critical element of any deepwater seabed mining system. A Vertical Transport System (VTS) comprises pump(s), riser string, connectors and hang-off assembly as its main components, but it is the pipe material, riser configuration and installation method that often attract the most discussions.This presentation will feature important VTS design work 2H has done over the years for different stakeholders, and highlight the work carried out as a partner to the EU funded Blue Mining Joint Industry Project.The key challenges faced by a deepwater VTS are:??High riser payload??Large deck space for storing riser joints??Long time to deploy and retrieve riser??Uncertain metocean conditions??Vortex induced vibrations??Weld and connector fatigueIncreasing the water depth further sees the longer and increasingly ‘springy’ riser experiencing axial resonance caused by wave induced vessel heave motions being close to the riser resonant period. This can lead to snatch loading and fatigue failure in the riser.The presentation will discuss the above design issues, analysis requirements and provide guidance on pump/riser selection. Solutions to mitigate the resonant response issues will also be proposed.."

Jan 1, 2017

By W. C. Burnett

The land phosphate deposits of the U.S. southeastern coastal plain have long been a major factor in the world trade of phosphate rock (Fig. 1). As recently as 1979, deposits of North Carolina and Florida alone accounted for about 33 percent of the entire world's phosphate exports. This situation is changing, however. World production increased by ~9 %, yet the U.S. share was down to ~28% in 1984. A complex interaction of economic and political factors combined with increasing costs of raw materials, production, and transportation have led to this systematic erosion of the U.S. market share. Changing land-use patterns within the southeast, environmental pressures, exhaustion of shallow high-grade resources in Central Florida, and the increased pressure from expanding low-cost production in other countries throughout the world account for much of the present difficulty in the U.S. phosphate industry. Considering this depressed environment -- what are the prospects for development of offshore resources? A summary of new research on offshore phosphorite within the U.S. Exclusive Economic. Zone (EEZ), as well as an attempt to place possible development of these resources within the current economic setting, is the purpose of this presentation. We will emphasize work in progress on a major offshore deposit along the U.S. Atlantic Margin as well as new research on Pacific Ocean occurrences of phosphorite on seamounts and insular slopes within U.S. waters.

Jan 1, 1986

By Sven Petersen, Iain J. Stobbs, Bramley J. Murton, Paul A. J. Lusty

"INTRODUCTIONIt is widely thought that seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits, the modern analogue of volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, present a potential global resource for base (Cu, Zn) and precious metals (Au, Ag). In addition, SMS deposits can be enriched in ‘critical metals’ including Se, Te, Tl [1], which are essential for use in the construction of modern and green technologies. Globally over 340 high temperature hydrothermal sites have been identified at a range of ocean spreading centres [2], significant massive sulphide deposit formation has been recorded at 165 of these sites [3].To date only 13 deep sea sulphide deposits have undergone intrusive investigation (drilling or coring) and of these, only 6 sites have published tonnage estimates [2]. Almost all research and drilling of SMS deposits has been focused on active systems, the investigation of the morphology, subsurface structure and mineralogy of hydrothermally extinct seafloor massive sulphide (eSMS) deposits is almost non-existent.As such, little is known about the mechanisms that operate post-SMS formation and which have an impact on the preservation and hence resource value of SMS. Identifying these generic processes and mechanisms, and the extent to which they impact the resource grade, is critical in evaluating the global potential of SMS."

Jan 1, 2017

By Fernando J. A. S. Barriga

"Recent concerns over the availability of many mineral raw materials, and newly available technological developments, produced renewed interest in deep-sea mining. However, environmental concerns, with variable degrees of justification, are raising opposition to the concept. The forecast for the behavior of consumption versus availability of many raw materials, nearly all critical metals, arguably show that consumption will grow much faster than resource discovery onshore. Finding new sources of raw materials seems inescapable. The deep seafloor stands out as the only likely candidate.Sea Floor Mining and the EcosystemMarine mining has already started, decades ago, for diamonds, currently up to depths near 400m. Although the industry recognizes there is a footprint, it considers the footprint quite minor, because the area mined is small: in Namibia, where offshore diamond mining is now 70% of the country’s total, only 3% of the concession of 3,700 sq miles (9600km2) have been mined. As plans to mine deep-sea massive sulphide deposits and polymetallic nodules progress, the environmental concerns grow. Some of these concerns are as follows:?The deep-sea ecosystems are composed of long-lived species, with low rates of reproduction. The environment may not recover from mining on a human time scale;"

Jan 1, 2017

By Peter E. Halbach, Andreas Jahn

"Co-rich ferromanganese crust deposits exist on slopes, summits and platforms of seamounts and guyots throughout the global oceans, where deep-sea currents have kept the seafloor structures more or less free of sediment for millions of years. They form by direct precipitation from cold seawater under more or less oxic conditions and consist of thin layers (2 up to 25 cm thick) covering hard substrate rocks in water depths of 800 to 5000m (Halbach and Marbler, 2009; Hein et al., 2000). Besides Mn these crusts contain interesting concentrations of minor elements (Co, Ni, Ti and Cu) and trace elements (Mo, W, Te, Ga, Pt and REEs), thus they represent significant metal deposits and promise potentially valuable additions to the world’s metal resources.The prospects for mining of this marine type of metal deposits largely depend on the grades and the scale of the potential ore resources. However, only a few percent of existing seamounts and guyots have been mapped and sampled in detail, most of them in the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, a model to estimate the geological resources based on the global seamount catalogue of Wessel (2001; revised: Wessel et al., 2009) and the empirical parameters which control the metal composition and distribution was developed."

Jan 1, 2017

By Kris van Nijen

IHC Merwede, a Dutch supplier of ships and equipment for dredging and mining activities, and DEME, a Belgian dredging and environmental services group, will enter into a joint venture for deep-sea mining activities. Under their cooperative agreement, IHC Merwede will be responsible for the development and construction of technical solutions, while DEME will be responsible for operations. Together the companies will offer a unique pioneering total solution. The joint venture will be known as OceanflORE.

Jan 1, 2011

By Art Wright, Steinar L. Ellefmo, Kurt Aasly, Mike Williamson, Fredrik Søreide, Martin Ludvigsen, Michael Zylstra

Exploring for minerals on the seabed is challenging and expensive – and the ability to collect representative sub surface samples is essential. The research project MarMine led by NTNU has together with Seattle based Williamson and Associates developed and tested an ROV-based drill rig for mineral (seafloor massive sulfides and crusts) and rock sampling. The ROCS system is a single stroke drill and is simple, robust and possible to use from various larger ROVs. For the vehicle to provide a stable platform, the vertical bollard pull of the ROV and the vehicle mass are important variables. The developed drill uses a thin wall drill bit and barrel and operates at high RPM to reduce the required down weight and drilling moments. The system also contains an emergency release to be used if the core barrel is stuck. The drill is hydraulically powered with cylinders operating the tower and a rotation unit. It can rapidly be modified to provide samples from softer samples like unconsolidated material. At the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridge, a work class ROV was deployed with the drill mounted for testing at 2700 m depth in basalt rock. The recovery from the system was above 80%. Such core samples can be used for chemical analyses of metal and mineral grades, mineralogy and rock mechanical testing. The system provides a probing tool for marine mineral exploration, with low cost, low operational complexity and low risk. Proper resource estimation requires drilling deeper into the deposit, but the short core samples provided by the ROCS provide valuable a priori information planning for more extensive drilling campaigns.

Jan 1, 2017