SMD
The mining business stream has been set up primarily to deliver the Nautilus contract, but also to engage in research and development work associated with this exciting new sector. Successful delivery of this unique Project and parallel development of flexible sub-sea equipment and mining methods will strategically position the company as the supplier of choice in this emerging market.
Due to growth in this and other business streams within SMD, the Nautilus team has set up a new Project Office in the Silverlink Business Park and currently employs 40 staff. Since April 2010, the team has been working on the design of three special sub-sea vehicles and associated power, control and handling systems. This work builds from SMD’s prior success in the development of large, tracked sub-sea ploughs and special vehicles. The first vehicle is known as the Auxiliary Cutter. It is a flexible production tool, one of its key tasks being to level remnant volcanic chimneys to create flat operational areas for the main production tool, known as the Bulk Cutter. The third production tool is the Collection Machine (above), which gathers sized material and transfers it to the sub-sea lifting pumps. SMD will also supply all of the deck equipment for the launch and recovery of the seafloor machines including their umbilicals. Other companies will provide the production support vessel, the riser and the sub-sea lifting pumps.
The business stream’s sole client is Nautilus Minerals (NM). NM is a pioneer in the exploration and production of sea-floor massive sulphide deposits bearing copper and gold. The first deposit to be developed is the Solwara 1 deposit in the relatively calm waters of the Bismarck Sea - off Papua New Guinea – at a depth of approximately a mile. This is one of over 15 attractive deposits in an active volcanic area. The ore quality is better than that remaining on land in terms of copper/gold content. These types of deposits are to be found in volcanic arc areas around the world.
The design and build contract involves adaptation, marinisation and assembly of existing proven equipment from some of the world’s finest mining, dredging and marine equipment suppliers. Some items of equipment are already known and orders are currently being placed. This is the first project of its kind and it is hoped that its success will open the door to increased sub-sea mining activity resulting in a strong position for both NM and SMD in this new and exciting market.
For more information, please contact:
Stef Kapusniak
Project Director - Nautilus
Email: stef.kapusniak@smd.co.uk
