790 
Under the guidance of our Chief Scientist, we first evaluate several possible 
locations in the general areas of operation available in our data bank. Upon 
Prospector’s arrival, the first key piece of equipment used is the precision depth 
recorder such as the one shown in Figure H*. Through the precision depth 
recorder the scientists can ascertain the suitability of the bottom for ocean 
mining. We are interested to determine if there is sufficient area, of relatively 
flat bottom, to constitute an economic mine. 
When we are on a location which meets these topographical requirements, 
we next assure ourselves that it is indeed a nodule deposit, as not all of the 
occurrence locations have sufficient nodules to be mineable. 
In order to ascertain the presence of nodules and their density on the bottom, 
we use our unique 20,000-foot real-time TV. Figure J* shows the exploration scien- 
tist viewing the ocean bottom from Prospector’s Operations Center through the TV 
screen. The particular picture you are seeing is transmitted through 20,000 feet 
of cable and is of the Atlantic Ocean floor in only 3,000 feet of water. Of course, 
as the water depth increases, we pay out additional cable giving the system a 
depth capability of 18,000 feet or slightly over 3 miles. As you can see on the 
screen, there is considerable nodule density in this location, about 2% to 3% Ibs. 
per square foot. 
Figure K* is a view of the TV equipment mounted on its tripod before it is put 
over the side. The cylinders suspended in this tubular structure are the camera, 
the sonic pinger, TV electronic components and a special light source. Once 
over the side, we are able to ‘‘fly” the TV camera over the bottom at about 2 
knots. The TV picture is also recorded on tape for later evaluation. 
When the TV equipment verifies the quantity and extent of the deposit, we 
must then assure ourselves that the nodules indeed have sufficient metal values 
to be of economic interest. Figure L* shows the recovery of the nodule samples 
and nodules being poured onto the deck of Prospector. The samples shown 
were not only assayed for metal content, but were shipped to our Gloucester, 
Virginia, laboratories for processing research to assure that the metal values 
can be recovered. We use many tons of nodules for this work. Figure M* shows 
about 40 tons of nodules in the hold of Prospector from one trip to the Biake 
Plateau. 
Since the formation of Deepsea Ventures in late 1968, Mr. Chairman, most of 
the preliminary screening research for processes to recover the metal values 
was done by a Deepsea Ventures team under the direction of Dr. Paul Cardwell 
at the Tenneco Chemicals Company’s Central Research Laboratory in Pis- 
eataway, New Jersey. Dr. Cardwell’s team, utilizing these facilities and other 
support personnel, evaluated various known processes, as well as new processes,. 
in the hydrometallurgical area. Figure N* shows some of the work done in 
putting the complicated nodule ores back into solution and then separating the 
metal oxides by ion exchange techniques thereby capturing the metals in a very 
pure form. As of September ist of this year, this work, and subsequent mini- 
plant and pilot plant experiments, will be done at our Virginia facility. 
The third phase of our program, the. mining equipment development, will 
provide a full seale test of the system on the Blake Plateau, off the southeast 
coast of the United States, about a year from now. The test site is at approxi- 
mately the point of the star shown on Figure P*. This project will convert the 
designs into a prototype test system that will be tested at sea. Important parts: 
of this work are now being done in the laboratory and in test setups ashore. 
Some of the land-based tests are shown on Figures Q and R. Figure Q* is a 
pumping system test using a mine shaft about 800 feet deep in the western part 
of our state. Figure R* is a laboratory test pumping actual nodules in a plastic 
pipe to ascertain data on flow rates, pipe clogging, ete. 
Impact and Implications of National Action on This Program 
Mr. Chairman, our work in the ocean is not, in general, unique in terms of 
equipment or basic techniques employed. Our commitment is what makes Deep- 
sea unique. The program, the team of people, the dedicated management and 
the funding and support of the Tenneco Corporation and stockholders makes our 
program capable of significant accomplishment. If was undertaken in anticipa- 
tion of a similar commitment to the oceans on the part of the United States 
Government. Mr. Chairman, you and your legislative colleagues will be re- 
sponsible for the environment in which our program must live. Whether or not 
we will convert deep ocean minerals to a national resource will depend on the 
*NoTe.—The photographs referred to were placed in ‘the files of the 
subcommittee. 
