Machines mining minerals in the deep ocean have been found to cause significant damage to life on the seabed, according to researchers from key scientific institutions including the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Gothenburg. The study identified a 37% decrease in the number of animals impacted by mining activities compared to untouched environments.
During the research, more than 4,000 seafloor animals were catalogued, 90% of which were identified as new species found in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. While critical minerals necessary for renewable technologies lie beneath these waters, the controversial nature of deep-sea mining is highlighted by environmental concerns and ongoing debates.
Lead author Eva Stewart notes that the machinery involved in mining operations removes the top five centimeters of sediment where most marine animals reside, leading to substantial losses in both population and diversity of species. Specifically, the study discovered that in areas disturbed by mining vehicles, the number of animals reduced by 37% and the variety of species diminished by 32%.
In response to these findings, the deep-sea mining company The Metals Company acknowledged the results but emphasized their belief that biodiversity impacts remain confined to mined areas. However, experts warn that the substantial losses observed during testing signify the potential for far greater damage if such activities were expanded.
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a prime area for mining, is estimated to hold over 21 billion tonnes of vital minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper. The International Energy Agency has predicted that demand for these resources, which are crucial for the development of technologies aimed at combating climate change, could double by 2040.
As discussions regarding a temporary ban on mining progress internationally, experts urge caution, emphasizing the significant implications for marine biodiversity and ocean health. Research on this critical topic continues as authorities evaluate the sustainability of mining practices in delicate deep-sea ecosystems.
