The Blue Nodules project will develop a new highly-automated and technologically sustainable deep sea mining system for the harvesting of polymetallic nodules from the sea floor. The key objectives of Blue Nodules are: • An industrially viable polymetallic nodule business case at water depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters. • In-situ processing (sediment separation and sizing) and onboard process (dewatering and conditioning). • Excellent, intrinsically safe working conditions. • Minimum environmental impact. • Compliance with the relevant policies and regulations Start date: 1 Feb 2016 End date: 31 Jan 2020 Duration: 48 Months Total costs / Total EC Funding: 8 M€ 14 Partners from 9 different countries in Europe http://www.blue-nodules.eu