Impossible Metals consistently delivers timely and topical content by field experts via webinars posted on YouTube for on-demand access. These webinars provide an in-depth look at topics including cutting-edge Impossible Metals technology, the future of sustainable metals, and resource extraction. 

The top three on-demand webinars in 2024 addressed:

  •  Deep-sea mining in Norway
  •  Eureka II deep-sea test results
  • Battery technology trends

Below, we dive into the highlights of each must-watch session.

3. A Norwegian Perspective on Deep Sea Mining

Overview

Egil Tjåland, the Norwegian Forum for Marine Minerals Secretary General, presents this webinar. Egil shares his insights on the latest developments in deep-sea mining and Norway’s role in this emerging industry. The session explores how Norway balances deep-sea resources’ economic potential with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Key Highlights

Policy & Regulation: Norway has established a structured regulatory framework for deep-sea mining, taking a phased approach to ensure compliance with environmental and international standards, such as UNCLOS.

Environmental Considerations: Norway prioritizes environmental protection by conducting thorough impact assessments and implementing strict guidelines to safeguard marine ecosystems.

Technological Innovations: Advanced technologies, such as AI-driven systems and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), are being developed to enable precise and environmentally responsible seabed mineral extraction.

Why Watch It?

This webinar offers a unique perspective from a country at the forefront of this evolving industry for those interested in the intersection of technology, policy, and environmental sustainability.

 

2. Eureka II Deep Sea Test Results

Overview

Impossible Metals CEO and Co-Founder Oliver Gunasekara presented the development and testing progress of the Impossible Metals Eureka II underwater robot after its successful deployment at the Blake Plateau in the deep ocean off Florida. Oliver highlighted achievements, challenges, and the next steps toward Eureka III. Key discussions included advancements in launch and recovery systems, tether management, and end-effector performance, focusing on scaling for commercial operations.

Key Highlights

  • Policy & Regulation: Impossible Metals aims to operate with minimal environmental impact and comply with regulatory frameworks. It ensures data transparency and engages with regulatory bodies like the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
  • Environmental Considerations: Efforts focus on minimizing sediment disturbance, harvesting seabed nodules, and identifying and avoiding marine life using AI, advanced robots, and vision systems.
  • Technological Innovations: The Eureka II system features autonomous untethered operations, buoyancy-driven vertical movement, and AI-driven selective harvesting. Future enhancements are planned for increased capacity and efficiency in Eureka III.

Why Watch It?

This session will inform tech enthusiasts, environmentalists, and investors about the future of autonomous robotics in deep-sea resource extraction. The test results prove the technology’s viability and highlight its potential to reshape industries.

 

1. Market & Technology Trends in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Overview

The webinar with Impossible Metals CEO and Co-Founder Oliver Gunasekara provides an in-depth analysis of current trends and future projections in the lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery markets. It emphasizes the evolving landscape of battery chemistry, supply chain challenges, and market dynamics. Key insights cover technological advancements, cost reduction strategies, and the regulatory landscape shaping the adoption of electric vehicles and stationary energy storage solutions.

Key Highlights

  • Policy & Regulation: Regulatory developments in key markets, such as stricter battery recycling mandates and localization requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), require more resilient and transparent supply chains to ensure compliance and competitiveness in the evolving global landscape.
  • Environmental Considerations: The increasing focus on sustainable supply chains and battery recycling underscores the need for eco-friendly production methods and the growing challenge of ensuring resource availability while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Technological Innovations: Advancements in battery pack integration, such as cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis designs, enhance energy density and cost efficiency. Chinese manufacturers lead the way in commercial implementation, while Western automakers strive to catch up.

Why Watch It?

Whether you’re in the energy sector, an EV enthusiast, or an environmental advocate, this webinar is packed with actionable insights about one of the most critical components of the green energy transition.

 

Final Thoughts

These webinars showcase Impossible Metals’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in the resource extraction and energy sectors. Each session offers unique insights, from Norway’s approach to deep-sea mining to groundbreaking robotics and market analyses for lithium-ion batteries. 

A full playlist of on-demand webinars is available. Whether you’re a policymaker, an industry leader, or a simple observer, these sessions provide invaluable perspectives on the future of critical metals and energy. Make sure to catch these on-demand webinars to stay ahead of the curve!