Deep-Sea Manganese Tubers: The Coveted Potatoes of Battery Manufacturers
Manganese nodules, also known as deep-sea potatoes or manganese tubers, found on the abyssal ocean floor contain metals essential for making batteries, making them a hot commodity in the shift towards electric vehicles. However, mining them could have severe environmental consequences, as past simulations have shown lasting damage to the ecosystem. The Metals Company plans to mine them with near-zero solid waste and no deforestation, but caution is needed before proceeding with deep-sea mining.