Joint Venture for deep-sea mining

Hydro International -

IHC Merwede, Netherlands, and DEME, Belgium, are entering into a joint venture named OceanflORE for deep-sea mining activities.

IHC Merwede will be responsible for the development and construction of technical solutions, while DEME will be responsible for operations. OceanflORE (ORE stands for Ocean Reserve Extraction) will cater to meet the increasing demand for both expertise and exploitation techniques in the field of deep-sea mining.

The joint venture between IHC Merwede and DEME is a logical step. Deep-sea mining is an important industry for IHC Merwede. The company has many years of experience and knowledge in the field of dredging, excavation techniques and deep-sea mining technology.

DEME is a leading global player in the dredging and offshore market, and has highly specialised experience in the application of complex offshore hydraulic engineering technologies, even in extremely deep waters.

The OceanflORE combines the knowledge of IHC Merwede and DEME and feasibility studies carried out by OceanflORE will subsequently enable every important aspect of deep-sea mining to be developed, manned and operated.

These aspects include underwater excavation, vertical transportation to the surface, processing on board the mining vessel and transportation to the harbour.

This enables OceanflORE to provide a unique complete solution for deep-sea mining, including all aspects related to the financing of projects, plus comprehensive project management through the deployment of crew and ships, mining equipment and a processing plant.

OceanflORE will carry out a study on the feasibility of mining phosphates in New Zealand territorial waters. The joint venture will also develop a pilot mining system.

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