Deep Sea Mining Rises—At What Cost to Our Oceans?

Due to the rise in demand for minerals and rare earth minerals, many are turning to the deep sea for supplies.

Estimates suggest global demand for nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements may double by 2040 in a net-zero emissions scenario. 

The ocean depths hold vast reserves of copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, silver, gold, and rare earth elements. These elements are necessary as countries invest more in decarbonisation, digitisation, defence, and infrastructure. These elements are deposited in potato-sized polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides that form from hydrothermal vents.

For decades, there has been an interest in harvesting these minerals lying deep in the ocean, and with new technologies, it has become feasible. Deep-sea mining companies use a suction tool to collect these nodules on the seabed.

While some countries have already issued permits to mine the minerals inside their domestic waters, there is a lot of commercial interest in mining them in international waters. The bulk of the most attractive mineral deposits are found in international waters, particularly in the Pacific Ocean’s abyssal plains in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The WRI article notes that 17 deep-sea mining contractors are already known to be exploring the area.

However, the future of deep-sea mining in international waters will rely on the regulations set by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The ISA has the exclusive legal authority to regulate mineral-related activities in the seabed beyond the territorial waters of coastal countries, as established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). After years of negotiations, the ISA is set to adopt a final set of regulations in July 2025 to govern responsible commercial mining operations in international waters.

While some countries, including Germany, Canada, Portugal, and members of the European Parliament, have called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, the United States has not ratified UNCLOS, which governs the ISA’s processes. As a result, the U.S. is not obligated to follow ISA regulations.

The article offers valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of deep-sea mining, particularly concerning marine life, fishing, and food security. It raises questions about the necessity of deep-sea mining, especially given the unproven nature and potential dangers of this activity and the well-documented harms linked to land-based mining.

Solutions such as circularity and recycling are presented to address the growing demand for minerals while minimising reliance on mining. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates mineral recycling could reduce mining needs by 25% to 40% if significantly scaled up.

Protecting the ocean

Another WRI article discusses ways to safeguard the ocean. It points out that 2025 is a critical year for ocean health. Minerals are not the only marine resources at risk; ocean warming, record coral bleaching, pollution, and the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity are also significant issues.

The article outlines six strategies to protect the ocean:

1. Enforcing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to safeguard the high seas and areas within exclusive economic zones.
2. Tackling harmful government fisheries subsidies.
3. Securing a global plastics treaty aimed at reducing marine pollution.
4. Developing regulations for deep-sea mining.
5. Implementing the EU Ocean Pact.
6. International conferences and summits that promote legally binding treaties and initiatives to reduce ocean pollution and protect marine life and ecosystems.

For more information about deep-sea mining and how we can protect our oceans, click the source links below.