De Beers’ Upstream Technology business has successfully developed and installed a next-generation subsea diamond recovery crawler, marking a major advancement in marine mining capability.
After nearly four years of development, the first unit is now active on Debmarine Namibia's production vessel, the Benguela Gem.
Project manager Rudi Agostinho said the new crawler integrates advanced automation and precision engineering with lessons from decades of field experience.
It has already increased the effective production rate of the Benguela Gem by approximately 20% without a significant rise in operating costs, allowing the vessel to fully utilise its onboard treatment plant.
A key technical innovation is an automated track tensioning system that adapts to changing seabed conditions, reducing wear and improving reliability.
Weighing 370 tonnes and measuring 28 metres in length, the crawler operates at depths up to 135 metres, collecting material through a large-diameter pipeline.
A second crawler is currently being assembled to maintain operations during servicing, ensuring minimal production interruption.
The deployment supports the output goals of the $486-million Benguela Gem, a venture between De Beers and the Namibian government.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
