What are the main technologies for exploration and exploitation activities?

For both mining and biological resources there are a few key technologies of
particular importance. In both the exploration and the exploitation phase, the
availability of modern and adequately equipped ships is central. For the exploration,
there is already several such ships in operation, often linked to national research
institutes and geological surveys. Research cruises are expensive matters and a vessel
costs around 50,000 – 100,000 EUR/day in operation. Another key technology is
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) which can be used for all different resources in
mining. Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS) can be collected by ROVs, before they are
piped up to the surface. Manganese nodules, which litter the ocean floor beneath a
blanket of silt, can be sucked up from the seabed by ROV- vacuums. These ROVs can
then deliver them to the surface. Manganese crusts can be harvested by ROVs that
drive along the ocean floor and grind up the crust. These ROVs then deliver the
mixture to a lift system, which pipes it up to a surface vessel. Furthermore, a deep-sea
mining system generally has four components: and extraction tool, a lifting system, a
surface platform, and a disposal system.