The world’s first licenced deep sea mining project, Solwara 1 in Papua New Guinea (PNG), has had a significant negative economic outcome for that nation.
tweet; Tagged with: con deep sea mining ecosystem gold hot smokers pro resource resources risk sea … Deposits are located near deep sea thermal vents, which sustain very unique ecosystems. For while there are significant challenges to overcome, deep sea mining also promises not just material wealth but the possibility of lessened impact. Learn more about the deep sea here. • The scraping of the sea floor and pollution from mining processes can wipe out entire species – many yet to be discovered. Among the interested parties is DeepGreen, which has taken concerns around ocean mining head on by producing a paper outlining the difference in impact of mines on the seafloor compared to those on land. The feasibility and economic benefits of DSM are unsubstantiated. Well, commercial deep-sea mining has yet to really get off the ground. Deep Sea Mining: An Invisible Land Grab Thousands of meters beneath the azure ocean waters in places like the South Pacific, down through a water column saturated with life and to the ocean floor carpeted in undiscovered ecosystems, machines the size of small buildings are poised to begin a campaign of wholesale destruction. Benefits. • Deep-sea mining is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep sea – the area of the ocean below 200 m. • Depleting terrestrial deposits and rising demand for metals are stimulating interest in the deep sea, with commercial mining imminent.
When Nautilus Inc declared bankruptcy, PNG was left burdened by debt, having been persuaded by that company to invest in its failed project. The Deep Sea Mining Summit 2020 is the only event of its kind to deliver leading market intelligence and industry presentations on the latest in deep sea mining advancements. 2018). Therefore, unbiased assessments of the possible impacts of deep‐sea mining … Mining on the ocean floor could do irreversible damage to deep sea ecosystems, says a new study of seabed mining proposals around the world. It requires new technologies and approaches and new scientific knowledge, most of which have yet to be acquired and developed. Seabed mining is concerned with the retrieval of these minerals to: ensure security of supply; and fill a gap in the market where either recycling is not possible … There is widespread concern about the impact […]
— University of Exeter. These odd objects were first discovered during sailing expeditions in the 1870s and early twentieth century, when the little metal balls were scooped up in bottom survey nets. For while there are significant challenges to overcome, deep sea mining also promises not just material wealth but the possibility of lessened impact. These environmental costs come primarily from the intrusive nature of mining. Deep seabed mining could have serious impacts on the ocean environment and the future livelihoods and wellbeing of coastal communities. The deep sea (depths below 200m) covers about half of the … The first step towards making deep sea mining into a feasible option would be to ensure the protection of "sensitive ecosystems and minimize the potential environmental impact of this industry" (Terradaily). Ocean Floor Mining [Infographic] By the team at 911 Metallurgist Share ! 911metallurgist presents a graphic which points out the pros and cons of deep sea mining. Interest in seabed mining has mostly focused on the iron manganese nuggets (nodules) that are abundant in many areas of the deep sea. Deep-Sea Mining of Seafloor Massive Sulfides Article in Marine Policy by P. Hoagland, S. Beaulieu, M. Tivey, R. Eggert, C. German, L. Gowka and J. Lin; Precious Metals from Deep-Sea Vents Website of the Morss Colloquium on seabed mining in April 2009 at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (includes video presentations) Nautilus Minerals Deep-sea mining refers to the retrieval of marine mineral resources such as Mn nodules, FeMn crusts, and seafloor massive sulfide deposits, which contain a variety of metals that serve as crucial raw materials for a range of applications, from electronic devices to renewable energy technologies to construction materials.