Tag

Deep Sea Mining

All articles tagged with #deep sea mining

environment1 month ago•15 min saved

Deep-sea biodiversity warns against rushing seafloor mining

An analysis by Andrew D. Thaler argues that the highly interconnected and fragile ecosystems around hydrothermal vents (exemplified by Solwara I off Papua New Guinea) are unlikely to withstand mining, and that even optimistic scenarios would cause unacceptable harm. The piece notes the Solwara I project failed and PNG’s moratorium on deep-sea mining, while highlighting a renewed U.S. push to permit seabed mining. It cautions that ongoing discovery of new deep-sea life would be jeopardized by premature exploitation, urging cautious governance and more study before rushing to mine the deep ocean.

via Mongabay|

#biodiversity #conservation #deep-sea-mining

science2 months ago•6 min saved

New Deep-Sea Evolutionary Branch Found as Mining Push Advances

Scientists identify 24 new deep-sea species and a new superfamily in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, underscoring how a regulatory gap and NOAA’s fast-tracked mining permits could threaten unknown life as commercial extraction expands; naming these species provides them a “passport for living” in scientific discourse, but most CCZ species remain unnamed, complicating policy decisions amid observed environmental costs from early mining tests.

via Inside Climate News|

#clarion-clipperton-zone #deep-sea-biodiversity #deep-sea-mining

planet-earth2 months ago•72 min saved

Experts challenge deep-sea 'dark oxygen' claim, call for retracting 2024 study

A 2024 study claimed that deep-sea polymetallic nodules could generate oxygen in total darkness via seawater electrolysis, but a December 2025 opinion article from marine scientists and electrochemists argues the results are flawed and likely artifacts, citing improper chamber ventilation, absence of negative controls, missing hydrogen data, and a thermodynamics violation; the authors defend their work and plan a spring CCZ expedition to test the phenomenon, but many experts say the study should be retracted unless the evidence is revised.

via Live Science|

#dark-oxygen #deep-sea #deep-sea-mining

news4 months ago•49 min saved

Trump accelerates deep-sea mining push, drawing global backlash

The Trump administration unveiled a consolidated permitting process to search for and commercially extract minerals on the deep seabed, including areas beyond national jurisdiction, and shortened environmental reviews by allowing exploration and recovery licenses to be filed together. The move, framed as countering China’s influence, has sparked international and scientific condemnation for potentially bypassing UNCLOS/ISA rules and risking unknown impacts on oceans and coastal communities, even as some companies pledge not to source from the deep sea.

via The Verge|

#deep-sea-mining #executive-order #international-seabed-authority

science4 months ago•5 min saved

Deep-Sea Mission Set to Verify Dark Oxygen From Ocean Nodules

Scientists plan two 11-km-deep landers in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone to test whether metallic seabed nodules emit oxygen, a controversial claim dubbed 'dark oxygen.' The study, which could reshape ideas about life's origins, will measure seafloor respiration and rule out buoyant air artefacts while contending with mining industry skepticism; results are expected within days of deployment, with broader analyses following the ship’s June return.

via ScienceAlert|

#clarion-clipperton-zone #dark-oxygen #deep-sea-mining

science5 months ago•4 min saved

Scientists Discover 'Dark Oxygen' 4,000 Meters Below Sea Level

Scientists have discovered that polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone produce 'dark oxygen' 4,000 meters below the sea surface, potentially rewriting our understanding of oceanic oxygen sources and the origins of life, while complicating deep-sea mining debates due to ecological concerns.

via Yahoo|

#dark-oxygen #deep-sea-mining #environmental-impact

science10 months ago•5 min saved

Underwater Eruption Chokes Marine Life with Ash Clouds

The 2022 eruption of the Hunga volcano caused significant ash deposition on the seafloor, damaging deep-sea ecosystems and affecting Tonga's coral reefs and local livelihoods. The study highlights the environmental impact of underwater volcanic activity and raises concerns about future deep-sea mining, which could cause similar or greater ecological harm.

via Earth.com|

#deep-sea-mining #hunga-volcano #marine-ecosystems

science11 months ago•3 min saved

Decades After 1979 Deep-Sea Mining, Pacific Ocean Remains Severely Damaged

A 1979 deep-sea mining experiment in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone left lasting scars on the seafloor, with visible damage still evident 44 years later. While some small organisms are beginning to recolonize the area, the recovery of larger, stationary species is slow, raising concerns about the ecological impacts of future large-scale mining operations in this fragile ecosystem.

via Indian Defence Review|

#clarion-clipperton-zone #deep-sea-mining #ecological-impact

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the Mysterious Submarine 'Lost City'

The Lost City, an extraordinary underwater hydrothermal field located deep beneath the ocean near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, features towering carbonate structures and unique microbial ecosystems that have existed for over 120,000 years. Its discovery offers insights into the origins of life and the potential for extraterrestrial life, but it faces threats from proposed deep-sea mining, prompting calls for its protection as a natural heritage site.

via ScienceAlert|

#deep-sea-mining #hydrothermal-vents #lost-city

environment1 year ago•2 min saved

Norway Halts Deep-Sea Mining Plans Amid Controversy

Norway has paused its plans for commercial-scale deep-sea mining after political opposition from the Socialist Left Party, which threatened to withhold budget support unless the first licensing round was scrapped. The decision comes amid environmental concerns and opposition from 32 countries, including France and Germany. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoer described the move as a "postponement," with further environmental research to be conducted. The suspension is seen as a victory by environmental groups like Greenpeace, while the country's energy ministry has yet to comment.

via BBC.com|

#deep-sea-mining #environment #environmental-impact

science-and-nature2 years ago•8 min saved

"Unveiling the Enigmatic Twilight Chorus of the Deep Sea"

Around twilight off Japan's Minamitorishima Island, fish create a chorus using their gas-filled swim bladders and fins, which can be heard 18,000 feet below the sea. Researchers recorded the soundscape of the abyss for a year and discovered daily fish choruses around sunset, suggesting deep-sea creatures may have circadian rhythms. The sounds could serve as a zeitgeber for deep-sea species, but the impact of potential deep-sea mining noise on these ecosystems requires further study.

via Defector|

#deep-sea #deep-sea-mining #fish-choruses

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

"Norway's Controversial Move: Embracing Deep-Sea Mining to Challenge Rare Earths Dominance"

Norway's parliament has voted to approve deep-sea mining in a move to break China and Russia's rare earths dominance, despite warnings from scientists and environmental groups about the unknown environmental impacts. The decision puts Norway at odds with the U.K. and the European Commission, who have called for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns. Norway's government defends the decision, stating that it is necessary to explore sustainable ways to collect essential metals for the global transition away from fossil fuels, but critics argue that deep-sea mining will have vast negative impacts on marine life and the planet's health.

via CNBC|

#deep-sea-mining #environment #environmental-impact

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

Norway's Controversial Decision: Greenlighting Deep-Sea Mining

Norway's parliament has voted in favor of opening up its seabed for commercial deep-sea mining, despite warnings from scientists and opposition from the EU and the UK due to environmental concerns. The decision, which is expected to speed up exploration of minerals in high demand for green technologies, has been criticized by environmental organizations and experts. The move will expose a large area to potential mining by companies, with the International Seabed Authority expected to finalize rules on deep-sea mining later this year.

via The Guardian|

#deep-sea-mining #environment #environmental-concerns

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Norway's Parliament Greenlights Controversial Deep-Sea Mining in Arctic Ocean"

Norway's parliament has approved the exploration of a vast area of Arctic seabed for deep sea mining, despite concerns from environmental groups and scientists about the potential damage to marine life and ecosystems. The decision, which could make Norway the first country to engage in commercial deep sea mining, has sparked debate over the need for these resources in the green economy and the potential environmental costs. While proponents argue that deep sea mining could facilitate a faster transition to a low-carbon economy, critics emphasize the lack of knowledge about the deep ocean and its ecosystems, urging caution and a pause in deep sea mining activities.

via CNN|

#arctic #deep-sea-mining #environment

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Norway Greenlights Deep-Sea Mining Despite Controversy"

Norway has approved commercial-scale deep-sea mining in its national waters, becoming the first country to do so, despite concerns from environmental scientists about the potential devastating impact on marine life. The move aims to accelerate the hunt for precious metals critical for green technologies, but has faced criticism from both external sources and Norwegian experts. The government plans to issue licences cautiously, requiring companies to submit proposals with environmental assessments, and estimates that actual extraction may not begin until the early 2030s. Critics argue that more investment should go into recycling and reusing existing minerals, while negotiations continue on whether licences could be issued for international seas.

via BBC.com|

#deep-sea-mining #environment #environmental-impact