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Deep Sea Mining Remediation

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There is great concern that deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules (PMNs), aka manganese nodules, will destroy ocean-bottom ecosystems that will take millions of years, if ever, to recover if there is no remediation process.   This valid concern has prevented the commencement of commercial deep-sea mining operations.  The deep-sea mining industry is eager to acquire these polymetallic nodules, valued at trillions of USD, to supply mankind’s growing need for metals needed to transition to alternate, green energy solutions to mitigate and hopefully solve, the global climate crisis humanity is now facing. 

Busch Marine has a first of it’s kind, patent pending application on a revolutionary remediation process for deep sea mining sites.  Our 3 phase system can be configured for specific sites, specific mining equipment and techniques.  Currently, the Busch WROV/RSS can work in the pelagic environment to a depth of 5000M and can be deployed off our own research vessel, Christina Busch or your own vessel.

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  • Phase I—Run a comprehensive inspection/observation of the specific area to be mined.

    • ​Record acoustic & light data

    • Place proprietary specimen collectors in undisturbed areas

  • Phase II—Collect specimen collectors and non-mobile life forms before mining begins, these are all stored at depth in a pre-determined location

    • Our patent-pending Remediation Specimen Skid and process is able to store hundreds of samples in a single skid.  Multiple skids as needed.

  • Phase III—Once mining operations in the area are complete, we replace the collected specimens and spread a nutrient mixture on the seabed floor which was lost during the mining process and to accelerate the reclamation process.

    • We also place beacons that mimic the acoustic and bio light that was observed prior to mining.

    • Turbidity conditions are monitored for silt plume dissipation.

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