SMD is leading the way for sustainable offshore mineral extraction. Collection and recovery of critical minerals in a safe and least invasive way is a key driver as the technology develops.
SMD is perfectly placed to provide emerging technologies for the growing mineral extraction market thanks to their track record of innovation and decades of experience in soil mechanics.
In 2007 SMD began developing three deep-sea Seafloor Massive Sulphide extraction vehicles for Nautilus Minerals, which were delivered in 2015. The same year saw SMD lead the EU Sponsored Horizon 2020 research program VAMOS to develop, build and demonstrate an inland mining system specifically designed for the rehabilitation of existing abandoned flooded mines where valuable deposits remain below the water line.
Through experience we understand the importance of focussing our effort on developing tools and processes which offer the most environmentally friendly and efficient solution for the subsea environment. Without this type of solution we don’t see how subsea mineral extraction can be commercially viable.
