Given the great significance of deep-sea resource development technology, the Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences established the department of deep-sea resource development in 2014. This department conducts research on exploration and mining technologies for deep-sea mineral resources, which include oil and gas, natural gas hydrates and polymetallic mineral resources. Additionally, it focuses on deep-sea geological engineering evaluation, and development of equipment for deep-sea resource exploration and geological research around the national marine strategic needs. 

The deep-sea resource development department is conformed by a team of 22 members, including an expert from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution of the United States. Currently, the department includes 4 Researchers/ Professorate Senior Engineers, 3 Senior Engineers, 15 engineers and assistant engineers.