American Ocean Minerals Corporation (AOMC) has wrapped up one of its largest deep-sea environmental research campaigns to date, collecting more than 4,000 samples from the seafloor in the Cook Islands as it advances plans for future polymetallic nodule development. The three-week mission, known as Expedition 7, surveyed 53 locations within Moana Minerals’ EL3 license area.

Researchers recovered 60 box cores and 62 multicores from the seabed, generating 4,059 samples that will undergo laboratory analysis. Scientists will use the data to strengthen environmental baseline studies and refine resource estimates ahead of key project milestones planned over the next two years.

Mapping deep-sea ecosystems

Environmental studies remain a critical requirement before any commercial deep-sea mining activity can move forward. Expedition 7 focused on documenting existing conditions across the project area and measuring natural variations within the ecosystem.

Researchers collected sediment samples and biological material from the seabed. The work covered macrofauna, meiofauna, foraminifera, and environmental DNA, or eDNA. Together, those datasets help scientists build a detailed picture of life in deep-ocean habitats.

Teams also gathered additional information where conditions allowed. That included seafloor mapping data, water-column observations, and measurements of marine biomass.

According to AOMC, the findings will support preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement scheduled for the first half of 2027. The information will also contribute to discussions with Cook Islands regulators as the project moves through future review stages.

Dedicated research vessel

Unlike many offshore exploration programs that rely on chartered ships, Expedition 7 operated aboard the MV Anuanua Moana, a vessel owned and managed within AOMC’s portfolio. The 196-foot (60-meter) ship serves as a dedicated platform for environmental and mineral exploration work.

Its equipment supports several research activities during a single voyage, including biological sampling, bathymetric surveys, sediment collection, and polymetallic nodule studies.

Tom Albanese, AOMC chairman and former Rio Tinto CEO, said owning a dedicated vessel allows the company to collect data consistently and reduce reliance on third-party ship availability. He added that environmental science and resource assessment must progress together if developers hope to evaluate deep-sea resources responsibly.

Supporting future development

Project leaders described Expedition 7 as one of the most productive benthic baseline campaigns completed within the deep-sea minerals sector. Hans Smit, CEO of Ocean Minerals LLC, said the campaign exceeded its original target of 45 priority sites and delivered a significant volume of new environmental information.

He noted that combining geological, chemical, physical, and biological sampling provides a stronger understanding of ecosystem structure and natural variability across the project area. AOMC believes the campaign also demonstrates the value of maintaining a permanent research platform in the Cook Islands.

Access to a dedicated vessel can shorten deployment timelines and eliminate many of the equipment integration challenges that often slow offshore scientific missions. The data now heads to shore-based laboratories, where scientists will analyze the samples and incorporate the findings into environmental studies and resource assessments planned for the EL3 license area.

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