This company develops robotic systems for the selective collection of critical metals from the seabed. Their technology aims to provide a low-cost, high-performance source for essential minerals needed for the energy transition and technology sectors. The operation emphasizes preserving and protecting the ocean environment during the harvesting process.
Funding
$12.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
+3Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing demand for critical minerals needed for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies is driving the need for new sources of these materials. Traditional land-based mining has significant environmental and social impacts, and high-grade ore deposits are becoming increasingly scarce.
Solution
Impossible Metals is developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to selectively harvest battery metals from polymetallic nodules on the seabed, offering a lower-impact alternative to traditional mining. Their robotic collection system uses AI-driven computer vision to identify and avoid disturbing marine life, minimizing environmental disruption. The AUVs hover above the seabed to collect nodules, reducing sediment disturbance compared to traditional dredging methods. The company's approach eliminates the need for dedicated mining vessels and ship-to-ship transfers, further reducing costs and environmental impact.
Target Audience
Impossible Metals targets battery manufacturers, electric vehicle companies, and other industries requiring critical minerals for clean energy technologies.
Features
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) designed for deep-sea mineral harvesting
- Selective harvesting technology using AI-driven computer vision to minimize environmental impact
- Hovering collection method to reduce sediment disturbance
- Buoyancy engine for efficient underwater operation
- Robotic arm for precise nodule collection
- Real-time life detection algorithms
- Scalable fleet of AUVs for large-scale operations
- Retrofittable launch and recovery system for existing bulk transport ships