To further develop the technology for nodule mining at greater depths, a joint technology development agreement has been concluded between National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) of DOD and University of Siegen (IKS), Germany. Under this, it is proposed to demonstrate shallow bed mining technology upto 500m depth in Indian waters. The existing crawler would be refurbished with a cutting system, a manipulator and a pumping system and tested. During the tests,the performance of the crawler as regards its maneuverability and control systems would be evaluated, besides the sand mining demonstration. Upon completion of the shallow bed mining test, a joint report containing the design of various subsystems like crawler, collector, riser, control system launching and retrieval system etc. required for deep sea nodule mining would be prepared. The designed system would be capable of operating at 6000m depth with a mining capacity of 25,000 tonnes nodules per year.

The improved Remotely Operable Vehicle (ROV) capable of operating upto 250 metre depth designed and fabricated by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute(CMERI), Durgapur, was tested in the open sea. A manipulator has also been designed and fabricated for integration with ROV.