Deep Sea Mining

Deep Sea Mining: As per the recent new study published in the journal Nature found that a seabed strip mined 40 years ago in the Pacific Ocean has still not recovered.

• Findings of the Study: Scientists analysed the 8-metre strip in 2023 and found Long-term changes in seabed sediment → Reduced population of deep-sea organisms → Some species showing early signs of recolonisation.
• Previous research on deep sea mining impacts: Sediment plumes, noise, vibration, and light pollution disrupt ecosystems.
• About Deep Sea Mining: It involves extracting mineral deposits and metals from the ocean’s seabed.
• Three types of deep sea mining:

o Polymetallic nodules mining – collecting metal-rich nodules from the ocean floor.

o Seafloor sulphide deposits mining – extracting materials from hydrothermal vent systems.

o Cobalt crust mining – from underwater mountains and volcanoes.

• These sources contain nickel, rare earths, cobalt, and other materials essential for renewable energy technologies and electronics.
  • Engineering & Technology Used: Vacuum extraction using massive pumps, and AI-based deep sea robots to collect nodules.

  o Advanced underwater machines to mine materials from underwater mountains and volcanoes.

  o Governments and companies consider these deposits strategically important as onshore reserves deplete and demand rises.