Adepth is proud to announce the completion of the EMINENT project, a major Norwegian Green Platform initiative aimed at developing a responsible, technically feasible, and economically competitive value chain for seabed minerals. Over three years, the project has demonstrated that seabed mineral extraction on the Norwegian continental shelf can be carried out with substantially lower environmental impact than traditional mining, while strengthening Norway’s preparedness for critical raw materials needed in the energy transition.
The EMINENT project has exceeded its most optimistic expectations regarding resource potential, technology readiness, and environmental integrity. Through a collaboration of Norwegian industry and academia, we have documented that the extraction of seabed minerals is not only technically feasible but can be executed with a significantly lower environmental footprint than traditional land-based mining.
Resource Potential: Surpassing Estimates
Data collected during the project, spanning three dedicated "Deep Insight" research expeditions, supports a mineral resource potential significantly higher than current estimates by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate (Sokkeldirektoratet).
- High Grade & Abundance: In-situ sampling confirms the presence of extinct system with ore grades that surpass initial models.
- Yield Efficiency: Processing tests have established flow sheets achieving 80–90% yield, proving that the minerals can be effectively processed with high recovery rates.
Environmental Integrity: A New Standard
We have moved beyond theoretical models to documented, data-driven environmental management. The project has utilized a step-by-step approach to ensure operations are based on a solid understanding of the ecosystem before extraction begins.
- Non-Invasive Baseline Mapping: Established robust environmental baselines using eDNA (environmental DNA) to detect species without physical disturbance, combined with AI-driven analysis of ROV video to classify fauna objectively and efficiently.
- Minimal Plume Technology: The FlexiCore system enables core sampling with significantly reduced sediment disturbance, helping to protect water‑column integrity and reducing ecological impact. Furthermore, our closed-loop production concepts prevent sediment spreading during vertical transport, protecting the water column.
- Favorable Conditions: Environmental data analysis indicates low seabed currents in prospective areas. Biological mapping reveals a robust macrofauna presence associated with extinct depositions, which are assessed as not unique to these specific extraction sites.
- Regulatory Readiness: The project’s data structuring aligns with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), ensuring that future operations meet strict requirements for reporting on biodiversity, water quality, and pollution.
Technology Breakthroughs & Scalability
EMINENT has successfully bridged the gap between oil and gas expertise and mineral extraction requirements.
- Exploration Maturity: Exploration technologies are fully mature, utilizing high-precision tools for simultaneous resource and environmental data collection.
- Production Leap: We have achieved a rapid conversion of production technologies. Based on relevant in-situ data (density, particle size, hardness), we have projected a massive step-up in production rates, from an initial 1.5 million to 6 million tons of ore per year (per production unit).
- Cost Efficiency: The operational model utilizes parallel, high-precision operations that reduce costs while maintaining environmental control.
The Business Case
The project confirms a viable business model characterized by high profitability and resilience:
- Low CAPEX: Capital expenditure for offshore production systems is estimated at below 50% of comparable land‑based mining developments, contributing to a competitive and scalable business case.
- Robust Economics: The project demonstrates a break-even grade (gehalt) as low as 0.5% Cu, providing a significant buffer against market volatility.
“EMINENT set out to prove that seabed minerals could be developed responsibly, and we have delivered exactly that. The results show that Norway has both the technological capability and the environmental foundation needed to lead the way in responsible mineral extraction for the green transition. This work strengthens national preparedness, opens new industrial opportunities, and demonstrates that high environmental standards and strong value creation can go hand in hand.” - Dr. Anette Broch Mathisen Tvedt, CEO of Adepth and EMINENT project leader
