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Impossible Metals - Model Eureka III -Selective Harvesting Vehicle

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Impossible Metals is advancing the Eureka III, a sophisticated selective harvesting vehicle designed to operate within the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ). The vehicle, approximately the size of a 20-foot shipping container, hovers above the seafloor and employs computer vision paired with robotic arms to selectively collect polymetallic nodules. It features two distinct operational modes that determine nodule collection rates of 90% and 50%. This designed variance in collection percentage is intended to assess the environmental impact of harvesting operations. Collaboration with the German Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) focuses on environmental monitoring and includes comprehensive assessments during phased test operations scheduled for execution between 2027 and 2028. This initiative represents part of a broader effort to address the unique challenges of deep-sea mining while observing environmental considerations dictated by public consultations and scientific evaluations.

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Impossible Metals plans to carry out testing of the Eureka III selective harvesting vehicle in 2027 or 2028 within the eastern BGR (German Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources) contract area of the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ).

What is the purpose of the test?

There are two primary purposes of the proposed test:

  • To demonstrate the technical feasibility of selectively harvesting polymetallic nodules using Impossible Metals’ Eureka III.
  • To monitor and assess the environmental impacts of the test

Who is responsible for testing Eureka III and monitoring?

Impossible Metals is responsible for the development and testing of the Eureka III harvester.

BGR is responsible for the planning, organisation and execution of the environmental monitoring and assessment programme (baseline and impact) in the framework of its exploration activities and obligations.

Impossible Metals and BGR will deploy from two separate vessels during the testing period.

What will be included in the test?

Eureka III is the pilot collector that will be used for this test. It is approximately the size of a 20 foot shipping container, and hovers over the seafloor, using computer vision and robotic arms to pick up the nodules individually, leaving behind a percentage of nodules, including those with visible life.

Eureka III will operate in two different modes for 2 days each (4 days total). The modes differ only in the percentage of nodules that will be picked up. Mode 1 will pick up 90% of nodules and Mode 2 will pick up 50% of nodules. From our initial stakeholder engagement with deep ocean scientists, it was clear that the difference in percentage had to be significant in order to potentially capture a difference in impacts. [Note: currently our economic modeling is based on collecting 70% of nodules].

What impacts will be assessed?

BGR will carry out a variety of monitoring exercises prior to, during, and after the Eureka III test to assess the following broad categories (please see EIS for more detail):

  • Fate and toxicity of sediment plumes
  • Changes to biological communities
  • Benthic biogeochemical changes
  • Noise

Public Consultation

The public consultation period has closed. The test will be in 2027 or 2028.