Oliver Gunasekara, Impossible Metals and the Elements of Innovation

In this conversation, Oliver Gunasekara discusses the innovative system developed by Impossible Metals aimed at addressing the environmental challenges associated with deep sea nodule mining.

Oliver emphasizes the importance of modern technology in reducing the ecological impact of mining operations while ensuring the extraction of critical minerals necessary for the energy transition. The discussion also covers the regulatory landscape, the controversies surrounding deep sea mining, and the need for transparency and trust in the industry.

Check out their 3D Animation of the system (90 seconds video):

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Impossible Metals: https://www.impossiblemetals.com

• FAQ : https://impossiblemetals.com/frequently-asked-questions/faqs-environmental-and-social-responsibility-for-deep-sea-mining/

• · Follow LinkedIn page for updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impossible-metals/

• Oliver Gunasekara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunasekara/

• · Blog: https://impossiblemetals.com/blog/why-will-deep-sea-mining-be-less-expensive-than-traditional-land-based-mining/

• · Blog: How the Environmental Impact Assessment is a Keystone of Decision-Making in Deep-Sea Mining

• · Impossible Metals new Podcast: Beyond Oil: The rise of critical minerals

• · Register for Webinar: Deep Dive into the Updated Techno Economic Model on Friday, March 21, 8:00 am PDT (11 am EDT)

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Rethinking Deep Sea Mining
01:20 – Oliver’s Background and Path to Deep Sea Mining
03:09 – Why Deep Sea Mining? A Climate-Driven Pivot
05:43 – Environmental Impact Starts with Technology
07:28 – Designing from First Principles
10:38 – The Core Architecture of Impossible Metals
14:16 – The Buoyancy Engine: A New Kind of Mobility
18:16 – Smart Launch and Recovery Explained
20:34 – Operating in Rough Seas: More Days, Better Economics
23:14 – Designing for Reduced Environmental Harm
31:05 – Business Model: Partner or Operator?
33:22 – Development Timeline and Readiness Level
36:40 – Speed, Scale, and Collection Economics
41:27 – Why the Cost Advantage is So Large
46:34 – Processing Nodules: Can Existing Infrastructure Adapt?
47:14 – Public Perception and Pushback
50:31 – Moratorium vs Ban: Clarifying the Debate
53:49 – Trade-Offs and Trust in Environmental Decision-Making
57:30 – The Role of Trust and Transparency
1:01:46 – Why the Spotlight on Deep Sea Mining Now?
1:07:11 – Recycling, Substitution, and Demand Realities
1:11:31 – Ethical Access, Global Equity, and the Climate Crisis
1:13:06 – Competitors and the Long Game
1:14:32 – Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More

Theme music Tamarack by Jesse Matas