Qualification tests on Underwater Mining System with Manganese Nodule Collection and Crushing Devices

Abstract

A tracked under water mining system with a polymetallic nodule collector, crusher and positive displacement pump has been developed and tested at 500 m water depth. This system is a continuation of the developmental work done using flexible riser concept for mining fine seafloor materials like sand and silt in 2006. The collector device of the machine has three modules of mechanical pick up devices and cleated belt conveyors. The collected nodules are fed in to two crushers for size reduction and lateral transport. The crushed nodules are then pumped to the mother vessel by a twin cylinder positive displacement pump through a flexible riser. The system was tested near Angria Bank off Malvan coast in Arabian Sea at 512 m depth during October 2010. This paper describes in detail the various systems and devices in the mining machine and the results of the mining tests carried out at the site.