Deep-sea mining: balancing renewable energy gains with environmental risks

Extracting cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and other metals from the ocean depths could accelerate the world’s shift to renewable energy. These minerals, scarce on land and hazardous to mine, are abundant just above the ocean floor. However, the seabed’s unique ecosystems, filled with unexplored life forms, present significant challenges.

The Metals Company, a Canadian firm, is exploring the mineral-rich Clarion-Clipperton Zone between Mexico and Hawaii. Their research has revealed not only strange life forms but also “dark oxygen” produced by mineral-bearing rocks, acting like natural batteries. This discovery, led by Andrew Sweetman of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, suggests these environments are millions of years old and vital to some deep-sea creatures.

Despite the promising findings, deep-sea mining raises environmental concerns. Collaborations between scientists and companies like The Metals Company aim to balance mineral extraction with ecosystem preservation. The minerals are crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, but the transition comes with trade-offs, including potential environmental damage and lifestyle changes. Over-exploitation of deep-sea habitats could lead to irreversible damage and species extinction. As climate change poses similar threats, tough decisions lie ahead in the quest for sustainable energy.