The deep sea is under increasing threat from interests seeking to exploit its mineral resources, including cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements essential for batteries and smartphones. Extracting these minerals poses significant environmental risks, spurring intense debate among governments, environmental groups, and industries.
Current Status and Regulations
As of 2025, commercial deep-sea mining has not yet commenced, though exploratory activities are underway. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is developing regulations for mining in international waters, with final regulations expected in July 2025. These regulations aim to balance resource extraction with the protection of fragile marine ecosystems. However, disagreements persist regarding environmental standards, benefit-sharing, and liability for ecological damage.
Environmental Risks
Deep-sea mining could lead to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and disruption of oceanic carbon storage. The removal of mineral deposits can destroy habitats vital for deep-sea species, while sediment plumes may suffocate filter-feeding organisms and disrupt food webs. Noise from mining equipment can also interfere with marine mammal communication.
International Perspectives
Many countries and organizations advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining due to potential harm to marine ecosystems. Some nations, driven by economic and strategic interests, support rapid exploitation. The Metals Company plans to submit an application for commercial extraction in June 2025, backed by countries like Nauru, intensifying scrutiny on ISA's regulatory progress.
Moving Forward
The future of deep-sea mining hinges on the ISA's ability to finalize and enforce comprehensive regulations that protect the marine environment. It is crucial to address knowledge gaps regarding the long-term impacts of mining on deep-sea ecosystems and ensure that protective measures are in place.