EV ep 13 Deep Dive into EV Resources

In this episode, hosts Chris Sass and Niall Riddell are joined by Gerard Barron, the CEO & Chair of The Metals Company, who provides a unique perspective on the essential resources needed for our electric vehicle transition.

The Metals Company, with over a decade of experience, has made substantial investments in licenses, cutting-edge processes, rigorous environmental assessments, and advanced technology to extract polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor. These remarkable efforts take place in the abyssal zone, a staggering 4,000 meters deep and 1,000 miles off the coast of Mexico.

Tune in as we delve into the intricacies of this operation, where robots venture into the deep to recover these nodules, which are then 100% utilized to extract base metals crucial for battery production. Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, and Manganese are the primary metals at play. Join us as we unravel the political, economic, and technological factors that underpin this extraordinary endeavor.