Challenging the Need for Deep Seabed Mining From the Perspective of Metal Demand, Biodiversity, Ecosystems Services, and Benefit Sharing

Abstract

The extraction of minerals from the seabed of the deep oceans is of increasing interest to investors, mining companies and some coastal states. To date, no commercial-scale deep seabed mining has taken place but there is considerable pressure for minerals mining to become an economic reality, including to supply the projected demand for metals to support a global transition to renewable energy. At the same time, the full environmental impacts of deep seabed mining are difficult to predict but are expected to be highly damaging, both within, and perhaps well beyond, the areas mined. Here, we reflect on the considerable uncertainties that exist in relation to deep seabed mining. In particular, we provide a perspective on: (1) arguments that deep seabed mining is needed to supply minerals for the green energy revolution, using the electric vehicle battery industry as an illustration; (2) risks to biodiversity, ecosystem function and related ecosystem services; and (3) the lack of equitable benefit sharing to the global community now and for future generations. We explore the justification for a global moratorium on deep seabed mining to ensure protection of marine ecosystems, the need to focus on baseline research, and how improved governance of targeted marine regions could be key to the preservation and conservation of the ocean biome.

Urgent assessment needed to evaluate potential impacts on cetaceans from deep seabed mining

“…The demand for minerals to support green energy and transport is often cited as justification for seabed mining. This link is questionable and highlights the importance of deeper scrutiny into the drivers underlying the pursuit of seabed minerals and the need to address them as far as possible through more sustainable means (Miller et al, 2021). The IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group has classified five cetacean species as 'critically endangered', including the North Atlantic Right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and the newly described Rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei), as well as an additional 19 sub-species or populations.…”

Indicator Minerals, Pathfinder Elements, and Portable Analytical Instruments in Mineral Exploration Studies

“…Deep-sea hydrothermal areas, polymetallic nodules and crusts, and marine mud which are widely distributed all over the world contain abundance of metal resources which have become the focus of marine research in recent years. Though the deep-sea mining companies have not started their operations on a commercial-scale in international waters due to environmental concerns, some feel that deep-sea mining becomes investable in future for the supply of minerals/metals for the green energy revolution (Miller et al 2021). However, a lot of exploration studies are going on worldwide.…”

Deep-sea mining and the potential environmental cost of ‘going green’ in the Pacific

“…However, where this mining takes place in the 'Area' governed by ISA any benefits are meant to be for 'humankind' because this Area is part of the global commons. 79 There therefore needs to be a mechanism for collecting, managing and distributing these funds, and meeting the diverse expectation of benefit. 80 Arriving at consensus in this context is no easy task.…”