![]() ![]() In the deep sea, these minerals are contained within slow-forming, potato-sized polymetallic nodules, as well as in polymetallic sulphides (large deposits made up of sulphur compounds and other metals that form around hydrothermal vents) and metal-rich crusts on underwater mountains (seamounts). Alongside a diverse array of marine life at these depths are significant reserves of copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, silver, gold and rare earth elements - materials that are essential to building zero-carbon energy components and other technologies but can be difficult to source. What Is Deep-sea Mining and How Would It Be Done?ĭeep-sea mining aims to retrieve valuable mineral deposits found on the ocean’s floor, hundreds or even thousands of meters below its surface. With the future of deep-sea mining still under debate, here’s what we know so far about the proposed practice and its impacts - and what we don’t: 1. What will happen in the meantime remains unclear. Formal discussions about its potential environmental impacts will kick off in 2024 and could help inform ISA’s decision. But despite years of research, little is still known about the deep ocean, and many fear that extracting minerals from it could pose grave consequences for both marine life and planetary health.Īfter failing to reach an agreement in July 2023, the ISA now has until 2025 to finalize regulations that will dictate whether and how countries could pursue deep-sea mining in international waters. Indeed, some nations are already applying to the UN’s International Seabed Authority (ISA) for deep-sea mining exploration permits. Mining for these materials on land is already underway, but with demand surging, some are now looking to tap the seafloor for its millions of square kilometers of metal ores. Materials such as lithium, cobalt and graphite are essential components of EV batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and other low-carbon technologies increasingly powering the world’s energy systems. In the race to cut greenhouse gas emissions and rein in climate change, demand for critical minerals is booming. This article was updated on Jto reflect the current status of the International Seabed Authority's ongoing deep-sea mining negotiations. ![]()
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