Published on 23 Feb 2025
Ocean mining refers to the extraction of minerals and resources from the seabed, typically at depths exceeding 200 meters. The main types of Ocean mining include:
Nodule Mining: Potato-shaped formations on the ocean floor, rich in metals like copper, nickel, and cobalt (vital for modern technologies).
Hydrothermal Vent Mining: Mineral-rich deposits near underwater vents containing gold, silver, and zinc (formed by superheated water spewing from the Earth's crust).
Phosphate Rock Mining: Deposits containing phosphorus, a crucial element for fertilizers.
Environmental Concerns posed by ocean mining
Disruption of Fragile Deep-Sea Ecosystems: Deep-sea environments host unique and potentially undiscovered species. Mining activities could inflict significant damage on these delicate ecosystems.
Sediment Plumes and Ecosystem Smothering: Extraction techniques can stir up clouds of sediment that settle on the seabed, smothering corals and other benthic organisms further down the water column.
Potential for Pollutant Release and Environmental Contamination: Leaks or spills during extraction activities pose a risk of introducing harmful pollutants into the ocean, potentially contaminating water and harming marine life.
Disruption of the Marine Food Chain: Deep-sea ecosystems play a crucial role in the marine food web. Disruption of these habitats could have cascading effects, impacting fish populations and the overall health of the ocean.
Uncertain Long-Term Environmental Consequences: The long-term environmental impacts of ocean mining remain largely unknown, posing a significant risk to the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystem.
Regulation of Ocean mining
Strengthen ISA: Equip the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to conduct thorough environmental assessments, like analysing potential impacts on deep-sea coral and hydrothermal vent communities.
Precautionary Approach: Apply the "precautionary principle." For example, halt mining projects that could disrupt deep-sea food chains, even if the exact consequences are unknown.
Environmental Safeguards: Mandate rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before approving any project. EIAs should consider potential impacts on water quality, biodiversity, and fragile ecosystems.
Protect Sensitive Areas: Designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and limit mining activities in areas like spawning grounds for fish.
Sustainable Practices: Develop and use environmentally friendly extraction methods, minimizing seabed disturbance and sediment plumes. One approach could involve robots collecting nodules instead of large scraping machines.
Research and Development: Invest in research on deep-sea ecosystems and the potential long-term effects of mining, like studying how sediment plumes might affect filter-feeding organisms.
Global Collaboration: Develop and enforce harmonized environmental standards for ocean mining across different countries.
Tech Sharing: Share technologies for sustainable mining practices and environmental monitoring. For example, countries with expertise in deep-sea exploration could share their knowledge with others.
Geography
OCEAN MINING
Environmental Concerns posed by ocean mining
Regulation of Ocean mining
General Studies Paper 1
Physical Geography