China’s deep-sea heavy-duty mining vehicle reaches record Depth in sea trials

SHANGHAI: The Pioneer II deep-sea mining vehicle, which was independently developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, has succeeded in reaching a depth of 4,102.8 meters, marking the first time a Chinese heavy-loaded mining vehicle has operated at depths in excess of 4,000 meters. According to the SMG report, the vehicle's explorations achieved six records in the realm of deep-sea mining in China, showcasing technological advancements that surpass both national standards and international benchmarks. During the trials, the 14-ton Pioneer II, which is designed for operations at depths of up to 6,000 meters, conducted five dives, including one at the 4,000-meter level and four at the 2,000-meter level, and retrieved more than 200 kilograms of polymetallic nodules, crusts, and bedrock samples from the seafloor. One of the most notable achievements of the vehicle is its advanced traversal technology, which enables safe and stable operations on steep slopes exceeding 30 degrees and conducted over soft, deep-sea sediments. The trials also marked a significant advancement in deployment and recovery techniques. The successful use of an innovative nonmetallic cable system for deploying and recovering heavy payloads at 4,100 meters set new domestic benchmarks for safety and working load capacity. The Pioneer II also introduces a multi-mineral composite drilling and mining technique, which allows for the efficient extraction and collection of various types of minerals.The ocean floor harbors abundant mineral resources, such as polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and polymetallic sulfides, which are rich in copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and other crucial materials for new energy and aerospace applications, holding extremely high value for their use. China stands as a pioneering investor and contractor in the development of international seabed mining areas, holding the most exclusive exploration rights and priority mining rights. The success of this test has laid the foundation for the future rational develop ment and utilization of underwater resources in our country. Source: Emirates News Agency