The Deep Sea Mining Debate: Critical Minerals vs Ocean Ecosystems

Deep sea mining for manganese nodules, cobalt crusts, and rare earth elements could supply critical minerals for the energy transition without the environmental and social costs of land mining. But marine scientists warn of potentially catastrophic damage to deep sea ecosystems that took millions of years to develop. The International Seabed Authority is drafting mining regulations. Norway authorized deep sea exploration. Companies like The Metals Company are preparing to mine. The debate: are we willing to sacrifice poorly understood ecosystems for minerals we need for green energy?