Uncharted Waters: Is Deep-Sea Mining the Future or an Ecological Disaster in the Making?

The deep ocean has always mystified scientists and individuals alike. However, as the world learns more about the abysmal realm, it has become less mysterious and more opportunistic for harnessing critical minerals. 

Global interest in seabed mineral extraction has boomed with the potential for economic prosperity and a smoother transition to renewable energy. After all, these natural substances are essential for cutting-edge green technology and everyday consumer products. The downside, of course, is the high likelihood of environmental devastation.

Marine ecosystems are fragile as is. While countries consider tapping into these resources with deep-sea mining, many wonder whether collecting such minerals without permanently damaging effects is possible.

Deep-Sea Mining: A Double-Edged Sword 

More than 50% of the ocean is under the International Seabed Authority’s (ISA) jurisdiction — an intergovernmental organization with the fate of the sea in its hands. For over two decades, the ISA has assessed the potential risks of deep-sea mining to decide whether to allow such activity. Now, with new leadership at the helm, the ISA may proceed with mining the ocean despite fierce scientific-based opposition. 

The ISA has, so far, been unable to declare a moratorium on deep-sea mineral exploration and extraction, as 27 participating nations argue there isn’t enough evidence about irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. 

As of July 2024, the ISA has issued 31 contracts — including China, Russia, Poland, Brazil, Japan, Jamaica and France — to explore a 1.5-million-square-kilometer seabed. However, without a final vote, these nations cannot start.

A Goldmine for Essential Minerals

On one side of the argument, deep-sea mineral extraction will help the world garner more cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese for products like cell phones, computers and automobiles. In fact, the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) — a 1.7-million-square-mile area between Hawaii and Mexico — could potentially be storing ample amounts of these minerals.

Mining these minerals offshore — at depths of 200 meters or 656 feet — will also offset shortages in manufacturing lithium batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Cobalt and manganese are crucial for their production. 

Estimates say there will be a 400%–600% higher global demand for these minerals in the next few decades as EVs become more ingrained in daily life. Likewise, an international battle is brewing for lithium extracts between the United States and China. China currently accounts for 8% of the world’s lithium reserves. Its cobalt production is also expected to reach 50% by 2025 — up from 44% in 2023.  

The seabed polymetallic nodules companies desire vary from microscopic size to 20-centimeter pellets. They are often found in the Baltic Sea’s shallow waters and much greater depths in the central Pacific. Naturally, businesses are eager to begin their exploration, stating minimal disturbance to carbon-consuming bacteria. One study says collecting enough nodules for 1 billion EVs would only degrade 0.2% of deep-sea bacteria. However, their recovery will be a slow process.

Although there isn’t a shortage of raw earth materials on land, deep-sea mining is unlikely to result in terrestrial environmental harm, such as deforestation and water pollution, making it even more appealing to companies pressured to reduce their carbon footprint. But does that make it ecologically safe? 

Environmental Impacts of Deep-Sea Mining

Even though the ocean covers 71% of the earth, humans have only explored 5% of it. This makes the uncertainty of deep-sea mining’s environmental impacts risky. Scientists are most concerned about the following:

• Harm to marine wildlife: Researchers have discovered 5,142 unnamed species in the CCZ, which could be killed by heavy equipment by smothering or suffocation in sediment plumes.
• Wastewater: Mining waste may kill marine species through overheating and poisoning. 
• Long-term impairments: Seabed mining may disrupt the feeding and reproduction of deep-sea creatures with noise and light pollution.
• Climate impacts: The ocean sequesters 25% of the world’s carbon dioxide — biodiversity loss and ongoing mining activities could hinder its ability to capture those emissions.

Of course, it’s not just the seafloor at risk of ecological disaster. Deep-sea mining may also have economic and social ramifications on fisheries and food security. Mine waste could reach coastal fisheries or open-water fish themselves. For example, tuna is a critical economic driver in Kiribati and other developing Pacific islands.

For now, deep-sea mining remains in an experimental phase as scientists analyze potential dangers. However, should the ISA vote to move forward, experts warn it will inevitably cause irreversible ecological damage, especially with no knowledge of conceivable protective measures.

Challenges and Solutions for Consideration

Proper governance of deep-sea mining could prove most beneficial for balancing sustainable mineral extraction and marine conservation, but several challenges remain, including:

• Limited knowledge about the ocean’s depths, including the biodiverse ecosystem and its many animal and microbial inhabitants.
• Uncertainty regarding the risks to marine wildlife.
• Difficulty developing monitoring systems and impact assessments for deep-sea environments.
• Complications in sharing the benefits and resources from deep-sea mining.
• Protecting small-scale fisheries that some coastal communities rely on for economic prosperity.
• Monitoring and preventing illegal deep-sea mining activities.

If mining for deep-sea minerals is to benefit everyone, sound solutions are needed. For starters, international cooperation must be established with contractual agreements and regulations.

Secondly, sustainable mining activities hinge on technological advancements, such as autonomous and remote-controlled underwater vehicles, to prevent human accidents. Precision mining equipment will further help extract minerals without causing undue waste and harm to marine wildlife. 

Developing a waste management method for mining waste is equally important. Crews must also have restoration plans ready to deploy to aid damaged ecosystems. 

Does a Clean Energy Future Depend on Deep-Sea Mining?

Deep-sea mining presents an enticing opportunity for uncovering raw mineral resources, some of which could help global efforts transition to a more sustainable way of life. However, it is paramount to weigh the benefits of seabed mineral extraction against the marine hazards. 

There isn’t enough information about the potential risks to marine ecosystems and their species, but the outlook is seemingly grim. As a society, it is important to question whether unleashing more irreversible damage on the natural world is best.