In a groundbreaking achievement for deep-sea mining, Canada’s The Metals Company (TMC) has successfully processed the world’s first deep-sea nodules at PAMCO’s rotary kiln electric-arc furnace facility in Hachinohe, Japan. This significant advancement represents a new chapter in mining technology. TMC endeavors to tap into the immense potential of polymetallic nodules obtained from the seafloor.
Commercial-Scale Processing of Deep-Sea Nodules Begins
TMC’s onshore development head, Jeffrey Donald, expressed excitement over the success. “After years of carefully planned development, bench-scale tests, engineering studies, and pilot demonstrations, it’s fascinating to see the world’s first commercial-scale processing of our nodules,” said Donald. This milestone reflects years of meticulous preparation, showcasing the capabilities of cutting-edge mining technology.
The operation, in collaboration with PAMCO, involved heating a 2,000-tonne sample of deep-seafloor polymetallic nodules. This heating process removed moisture and started the transformation of minerals into their metallic forms. As a result, approximately 1200 tonnes of nodules were processed into 500 tonnes of calcine, a high-temperature material, using PAMCO’s commercial kiln, which spans 131 metres.
A New Phase of Smelting to Begin
The calcine will now be cooled before being transferred to PAMCO’s demonstration smelting facility. The upcoming trial will see the calcine smelted into high-grade alloys, moving TMC one step closer to commercial production. The data and practical insights gathered from this phase of processing will influence the anticipated processing agreements between TMC and PAMCO.
This trial represents the world’s first successful commercial processing of deep-sea nodules and serves as a testament to the innovative mining technology employed by TMC Canada. TMC is positioning itself as a pioneer in deep-sea resource extraction by focusing on polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor. These nodules are rich in valuable metals, such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese, which are essential for industries including battery production and electrical infrastructure.
Strategic Partnership Between TMC and PAMCO
The current trial stems from a strategic partnership between Canada metal company TMC and PAMCO. In November of 2023, two companies entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). They aimed to investigate the possibility of processing 1.3 million tonnes of wet polymetallic nodules on an annual basis. These nodules would be converted into high-quality nickel-copper-cobalt alloy and manganese silicate. The final products are crucial for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, electrical infrastructure, and steel, aligning with global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
PAMCO’s senior executive officer in charge of the project, Chitaru Okamura, acknowledged the significance of this achievement. “The trial production of calcined nodules for the first smelting trial using PAMCO’s commercial-scale kiln marks an important milestone in commercial nodule processing into battery metals, representing the world’s first trial.” The success of this trial reinforces TMC Canada’s status as a leader in the burgeoning field of deep-sea mining technology.
Cobalt Sulphate Produced from Nodules
In another groundbreaking achievement, TMC Canada produced the world’s first cobalt sulphate from deep-sea polymetallic nodules in June 2024. This was achieved through a pilot-scale processing trial conducted by TMC in partnership with Swiss testing provider SGS. The testing programme used TMC’s flowsheet design, which converts high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt matte into high-purity cobalt sulphate.
Cobalt sulphate is a key ingredient in fertiliser production, and the process generates minimal solid waste or tailings. This breakthrough further highlights the potential of deep-sea nodules as a sustainable source of vital metals.
Deep-Sea Nodules: A New Frontier for Mining Technology
The success of TMC’s trial opens up new possibilities for the mining industry. Deep-sea nodules offer a unique opportunity to tap into previously inaccessible resources. Scattered across the ocean floor, these nodules contain a rich mix of metals essential for modern technology. As industries shift toward cleaner, greener energy, the demand for metals like nickel, cobalt, and copper will continue to rise.
Mining technology has evolved significantly, allowing companies like TMC Canada to explore the potential of deep-sea resources. By leveraging partnerships with forward-thinking companies like PAMCO, TMC is at the forefront of this shift. The development of sustainable mining solutions is vital not only for reducing environmental impact but also for securing future supply chains.
Next Steps: Full-Scale Production of Deep-Sea Nodules
With the success of this initial trial, Canada’s TMC is preparing for the next development phase. Full-scale commercial production is on the horizon, with deep-sea nodules poised to become a valuable source of raw materials for critical industries. The processing of polymetallic nodules will contribute to the production of essential metals for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and a wide range of consumer products.
The collaboration between TMC and PAMCO represents a pioneering effort in the world of mining technology, makking the way towards sustainable resource extraction from the ocean floor. As TMC Canada moves forward with its plans, the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability will continue to shape the future of deep-sea mining.
The world’s first successful processing of deep-sea nodules by Canada’s The Metals Company marks a pivotal moment in the mining industry. The trial production at PAMCO’s facility highlights the potential of polymetallic nodules and underscores the importance of advancing mining technology to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
