Today, much of the world’s nickel is mined in rainforests, and a large share of cobalt comes from regions associated with deforestation, pollution, and human rights concerns, including child labor.
Land-based mining often requires clearing ecosystems, displacing communities, and generating significant carbon emissions. These impacts are direct and long-lasting.
Seabed nodule collection occurs in remote, uninhabited areas of the ocean floor, with no need for blasting, tunneling, or deforestation. When done selectively and responsibly, it has the potential to be the lowest-impact source of critical minerals available.
