The courage to explore

Seabed mineral exploration was set on the ONS agenda, one of the world’s largest and most influential energy exhibitions and conferences.

Thomas Dahlgren, Research Professor at NORCE, presented the OptiMiSe-project at Energy Cluster Norway’s stand at ONS in Stavanger last week.

The project explores how biodiversity mapping along the Arctic–Mid Ocean Ridge (AMOR) can be optimised.

Dahlgren gave the background for the project and outlined the different technologies and methodologies used for deep-sea environmental mapping.

– The predecessor project, EMINENT, tested different methods and provided a good starting point for environmental monitoring of the deep-sea. The OptiMiSe project builds on this – providing a more in-depth and structured way of establishing an environmental baseline, Dahlgren explained.

The OptiMiSe project combines environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to detect species across taxonomic groups, AI-assisted image analysis for efficient and reproducible identification of megafauna, and expert-led morphological taxonomy to validate and complement molecular and image-based data.

The primary null hypothesis for the project is that the fauna at extinct vent sulfide deposits is similar to the AMOR background fauna. Extinction risk will be inferred from endemism, range-restricted of species, and lack of connectivity. Species found exclusively at SMS sites with no nearby analogues will be considered at higher risk.

– The technology outlined in the EMINENT project provided valuable insight to what type of equipment and methodology the industry is envisioning for mining. This provided important information to be able to conduct a realistic risk and impact assessment, Dahlgren continues.

The industry has an important role

Furthermore, Dahlgren took part in a panel debate, discussing the possibility of seabed minerals on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. He pointed to the importance of collaboration in deep-sea exploration.

– Industry contributions and funding have been important in building knowledge internationally. I believe it is unlikely that sufficient environmental baseline studies and knowledge-building will take place without industrial interest, Dahlgren concluded.

Thomas Dahlgren presented at the Energy Cluster Norway stand, photo by Energy Cluster Norway.

The industry sees huge possibilities

The high copper ore grades discovered over the last few years have strengthened the industry’s belief in a profitable and responsible industry securing critical minerals for the energy transition.

High ore grades mean less energy and chemical for processing, and there is less waste.

The industry sees huge potential for technology and knowledge transfer, with a value creation that could match the oil and gas industry by 2040.

Aslaug Hagestad Nag, CEO of Future Materials Catapult highlighted the importance of recycling, but unfortunately, this is not sufficient alone.

She pointed out that seabed minerals are not competing with Fensfeltet; they involve different and complementary metals.

The debate ended with the ONS theme, “Courage”. We need to have the courage to explore different possibilities.