Sara Zajicova
Deepsea mining, i.e. the extraction of valuable minerals and metals from the ocean floor, has been touted as a new source for cobalt, an essential metal used in the manufacturing of electric cars and thus a key factor in a potential green energy transition. However, deepsea mining might also cause notable damage to marine environments. Given how little we know about the seafloor, the full impacts of disturbing its unique ecosystems may not be known until it is too late.
The International Seabed Authority has not allowed mining yet, but it has issued over 30 exploratory permits to governments and companies, the vast majority of which are in the Pacific. However, Pacific nations are divided on the topic. Some, like Nauru and the Cook Islands are strongly in favor. On the other hand, a number of them staunchly oppose it - some, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea, have even declared a moratorium on exploration in their waters.
Bibliography:
Hurst, Daniel. “Here Be Nodules: Will Deep-Sea Mineral Riches Divide the Pacific Family?” The Guardian, 10 Nov. 2023. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/10/pacific-islands-forum-deep-sea-mining-harm-risks.
“What Is Deep Sea Mining? And Why Is Seabed Mining a Threat to the Ocean?” Greenpeace Aotearoa, https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/story/what-is-deep-sea-mining/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
Hardy, Satyendra Prasad, Emily. “Why Pacific Island States Are Concerned About Deep-Sea Mining.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, https://carnegieendowment.org/2023/11/27/why-pacific-island-states-are-concerned-about-deep-sea-mining-pub-91051. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
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