Tag

Seabed Mining

All articles tagged with #seabed mining

science1 month ago•19 min saved

Hidden Cities of the Deep: life around vents and the race to mine the ocean floor

A sweeping look at Earth’s deep ocean—from twilight mid-water zones to hydrothermal vents—reveals an enormous, little-understood ecosystem that fuels global climate and hosts bizarre life forms powered by chemical energy. It traces a century of exploration (Challenger, Alvin) and explains how mid-water migrations drive major carbon transport, while warning that growing seabed‑mining interests, especially for manganese nodules in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, threaten fragile, slow‑growing communities and untapped biotechnologies. The piece argues for protecting these environments even as they hold clues to life’s origins and future innovations.

via The Guardian|

#biodiversity #carbon-cycle #deep-sea

technology5 months ago•4 min saved

Japan Demonstrates Deep-Sea Mud Mining for Rare Earths, Signals Tech and Policy Hurdles

Japan conducted a deep-sea mining test near Minamitorishima, successfully pumping mud from about 6,000 meters depth rich in rare earth elements, a government-led milestone toward diversifying supply away from China. The test focuses on proving the pumping capability rather than immediate commercial volumes, with plans to scale to hundreds of tons per day in the future, while environmental impacts and international regulatory rules for seabed mining remain contested.

via The New York Times|

#international-seabed-authority #jamstec #minamitorishima

world6 months ago•16 min saved

Arctic Power Play: Norway Tightens Svalbard as Global Powers Eye the Ice

Norway is tightening its sovereignty over Svalbard, the Arctic archipelago governed by a century-old treaty, by curbing foreign voting rights, blocking land sales, and tightening control over foreign researchers while pushing to mine seabed minerals around the islands; the moves provoke pushback from Russia, Iceland, and the EU and fit into a broader great‑power contest for Arctic influence and resources, a context in which Greenland’s status has also drawn attention.

via The New York Times|

#arctic #great-power-competition #seabed-mining

science-and-environment2 years ago•5 min saved

"Discovery of 'Barbie Pigs' and Other Bizarre New Species Near Deep-Sea Mining Site"

Researchers have discovered whimsical new marine life, including a bright pink 'Barbie pig' sea cucumber, near the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the deep sea, which is targeted for seabed mining due to its rich metal reserves. The project aims to develop an ecological census of the region to assess potential impacts of mining activities. The discovery of these new species, such as the 'unicumber' sea pig and the 'Rattail fish,' highlights the need for further research to understand the unique and sparse ecosystem of the CCZ.

via Daily Mail|

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

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Norway's Approval of Seabed Mining Sparks Environmental Concerns"

Norway has become the first country to approve seabed mining, a move that has raised concerns among scientists and environmental organizations about potential irreversible damage to biodiversity and ecosystems. Despite claims of necessity for a low-carbon economy, many experts argue that terrestrial metal resources are sufficient and that the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining are not fully understood. Scientists and environmental groups are disappointed by the Norwegian government's decision, which they say ignored scientific advice and could lead to irreversible destruction of unique marine habitats.

via Nature.com|

#deep-sea-ecosystem #environment #environmental-impact

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

"Norway's Parliament Greenlights Deep-Sea Mining Exploration"

The Norwegian Parliament has voted to allow seabed mining exploration in parts of the Norwegian Sea, a move opposed by environmentalists. This decision reflects the increasing global demand for metals necessary for electric vehicle batteries. The exploration will involve collecting information about seabed metal deposits and potential harm to aquatic life, with the possibility of industrial-scale mining pending further parliamentary consideration. Norway joins other nations in considering or taking steps toward seabed mining, as the International Seabed Authority drafts regulations for international waters. The move reflects Norway's shift away from fossil fuels and its search for new economic opportunities, despite opposition from environmental groups concerned about ocean health and the changing landscape of battery chemistry.

via The New York Times|

#electric-vehicles #environment #environmentalists

environment3 years ago•5 min saved

"Environmental Concerns Surround Seabed Mining for Clean-Tech Minerals: Will It Be Approved?"

The International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations body, has the power to permit or deny mining on the deep seabed, which could unlock critical minerals for clean-tech but also destroy ecosystems. While some countries are pushing for mining to begin, almost 20 governments are calling for a moratorium or slowdown on mining due to concerns about the long-lasting impact on sealife and lack of technology to monitor the seabed. The ISA has missed its deadline to produce regulations, potentially leading to unregulated deep-sea mining. The sticking point is the pristine environment of the seabed and the lack of knowledge about its ecosystems.

via The Conversation Indonesia|

#conservation #deep-sea #ecosystems