Deep sea mining involves removing mineral deposits and metals from the ocean’s seabed. There are three types of such mining: taking deposit-rich polymetallic nodules off the ocean floor, mining massive seafloor sulphide deposits and stripping cobalt crusts from rock. These nodules, deposits and crusts contain materials, such as nickel, rare earths, cobalt and more, that…
Written by
Dr. Soma Marla
–
–
Originally Published in
Deep sea mining involves removing mineral deposits and metals from the ocean’s seabed. There are three types of such mining: taking deposit-rich polymetallic nodules off the ocean floor, mining massive seafloor sulphide deposits and stripping cobalt crusts from rock. These nodules, deposits and crusts contain materials, such as nickel, rare earths, cobalt and more, that are needed for batteries and other materials used in tapping renewable energy and also for everyday technology like cell phones and computers. Sediments generated from extraction and mining processes are a major concern. After extraction of valuable minerals, the remaining slurry sediment plumes are often pumped back into the sea, which can harm filter-feeding species like corals and sponges. Deep-sea mining operations can also release harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the surrounding water, with long-lasting effects on marine life. Apart from rare minerals, mining of sea bed creatures such as certain bactria, squibs and others became a valuable resource for major pharmaceutical industry.
