Offshore Copper, Gold, Silver and Zinc - A New Mineral Frontier

Nautilus Minerals Inc the world?s leader in exploration and development of deep ocean mineral resources is today focused on the recovery of high grade copper-gold from in seafloor massive sulphide mineralization. These mineralized belts, analogous to land based volcanogenic massive sulphides (VMS) deposits are located near tectonic plate boundaries of the Western Pacific and around the world. Nautilus; first development project is Solwara 1 located in benign waters in Papua New Guinea. Since 2006 the company has completed detailed environmental and geological studies at Solwara 1, culminating in a number of world firsts, including the first Environmental Permit for a deep ocean mineral project and the first NI 43-101 compliant seafloor massive sulphide resource statement. Nautilus has relied heavily on proven deepwater technologies from the oil and gas industry in the design of the first mineral extraction system. Pipeline trenching units, workclass ROVs, deepwater production risers and drill cutting removal systems will all be adapted at Solwara 1. Key contractors to the project have all been selected for their deepwater experience, creativity and determination to launch this new industry. Innovation is at the forefront of Nautilus? success to date. This paper gives an overview of the Solwara 1 development and describes the exploration and production technologies adapted for seafloor mineral extraction.