Simulation and monitoring equipment for Solwara 1 project
Mining site overview
Nautilus Minerals Inc says it is the first company to commercially explore the seafloor for massive sulphide deposits, a potential source of copper, gold, zinc and silver. It has developed a production system using existing technologies adapted both from the offshore oil and gas and from the dredging and mining industries to enable the extraction of these high-grade seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits on a commercial scale.
Effective control of the SPTs is essential for the success of the project, Tree C Technology said. Recruiting and training of operators on the simulator is said to greatly assist to meet the required knowledge and skill levels before mining commences.
The simulator will enable operators to work with the same consoles and control software that will be used during the actual operation. The virtual environment will respond and behave as closely as possible to the real-world conditions at this depth.
Nautilus says it will employ an operations manager who will take overall responsibility of coordinating the seafloor production system. The operations manager will work with the vessel master to plan the required logistics around vessel moves necessary for safe and efficient mining operations. The Tree C-developed mining site monitoring system will assist the operations manager by showing a simulated but actual view of the subsea mining assets and surface support assets in real time. The operations manager will direct all SPT and equipment moves based on the monitoring system since there will be no visibility at this depth.
Delivery of the equipment is scheduled for the first half of 2017.
