Nodule-rich areas are mapped and identified as part of the mining prospecting and exploration phase (not our focus). A traditional AUV with wideband sonar and box core samples performs the mapping. The essential data is nodule abundance measured in kg per square meter and metal grade. The metal grade is by collecting multiple box core samples and sending the nodules to the lab to measure the ore grade. Multiple NI-43-101 resource estimations have been completed for deep-sea minerals. The resource estimations are much more complex on land as the resource is three-dimensional compared to two-dimensional on the seabed. Holes are drilled, and an estimate of the three-dimensional resources is calculated.
