Deep Seabed Mining

AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Courtesy:ImagebyteksomolikaonFreepik

As the world grapples with economic growth balanced with environmental sustainability, the deep sea emerges as a new frontier that has immense potential. Lying thousands of meters beneath the ocean’s surface, the deep seabed is rich in minerals and metals that are critical to modern technology and industry However, the exploitation of these resources raises significant questions such as environmental impact, governance, and the million dollar prize of equitable distribution of benefits. Understanding and harnessing the deep seabed’s potential for the benefit of humankind requires a careful and responsible approach

The deep seabed is home to vast deposits of polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts. These mineral resources contain essential metals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are crucial for the manufacturing of batteries, electronics, renewable energy technologies, and other high-tech applications As demand for these materials increases, particularly with the global shift toward green energy and electric vehicles, the deep seabed offers a new and largely untapped source of these vital resources.

The metals found in the deep seabed are indispensable for the transition to renewable energy For example, cobalt and nickel are key components in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles and store renewable energy from solar and wind sources. Access to these resources could help meet the growing global demand for clean energy technologies, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change The exploitation of deep seabed resources could stimulate economic growth, particularly for developing countries with limited access to traditional mineral resources. By participating in deep seabed mining, these countries could diversify their economies, create jobs, and increase their revenues.

Exploration of the deep seabed also presents opportunities for advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation The deep ocean remains one of the least understood environments on Earth, and its exploration could lead to discoveries in biology, geology, and oceanography. Additionally, the technological challenges of deep seabed mining such as operating at extreme depths and pressures could drive innovation in robotics, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring technologies

While the potential benefits of deep seabed mining are significant, they must be weighed against the environmental and ethical challenges it presents. The deep seabed is a fragile and largely unexplored ecosystem. Mining activities could disrupt these environments, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of habitats that are home to unique species Sediment plumes, noise pollution, and chemical contamination are among the potential environmental impacts that must be carefully managed. The long-term effects of deep seabed mining on ocean health are still not fully understood, necessitating a precautionary approach

One of the core principles of deep seabed mining is that its benefits should be shared equitably among all nations, particularly those that lack the resources to engage in such activities themselves. This principle is enshrined in the concept of the “common heritage of humankind,” which underpins the governance of the deep seabed. Ensuring that the economic and social benefits of deep seabed mining reach all of humanity, and not just a few, requires robust mechanisms for revenue sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building

Namibia is not new to seabed mining with diamond mining in shallow waters providing opportunities for experience and precedent Debmarine states that Namibia has the richest known marine diamond deposits in the world In 2005, marine diamond production in Namibia surpassed land-based production It is also noted that marine recovery is gaining momentum globally, and the prospects of our resource and operations remains positive.

Can the same be said for the proposed phosphate mining? As always, the conversation continues infocus@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings:

https://www.mining-technology.com/features/marinemining-lessons-from-namibia/ https://debmarine com/