Deep Ocean Mining Race Intensifies as 31 Nations Target Critical Minerals on the Seafloor

Deep Ocean Mining Race Intensifies as 31 Nations Target Critical Minerals on the Seafloor

More than 31 initiatives by companies, governments, and state-owned enterprises are racing to extract mineral-rich nodules from the deep ocean floor, sparking fierce debate about ecological risks versus the clean energy transition demand.

Key Players and Scale

• 31 initiatives across companies, governments, and state-owned enterprises
• 65,000 km² target area for The Metals Company alone
• 600+ million metric tons of nodules targeted
• 13,000+ feet deep harvesting operations
• Key players: China, India, Republic of Nauru, The Metals Company, US

Critical Minerals at Stake

Deep ocean nodules contain: copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese — essential for batteries and EVs. The IEA projects clean energy transition could quadruple demand for these metals.

The 2022 Pilot Run

A 70+ ton machine operated on caterpillar tracks at 13,000+ feet, successfully collecting potato-sized nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone via riser pipe to surface ships.

Regulatory Gap

• ISA mining code under development for over a decade with no final agreement
• Talks stalled July 2025; negotiations recently resumed
• Nauru exploring legal loophole to apply for commercial permits before rules are set
• 40+ countries led by Palau call for moratorium or ban
• The Metals Company applied directly to US to bypass ISA

The Debate

Pro-mining: Not enough accessible critical minerals on land; better than opening numerous new terrestrial mines; essential for climate change mitigation.

Anti-mining: Ecological impacts poorly understood; adequate land resources remain; millions of years of undisturbed ecosystems at risk.

Source: Ars Technica | Knowable Magazine | International Energy Agency