FAQs Archive

Q: Myth #13: Recycling, substitution, or demand reduction can replace the need for deep sea minerals.

The International Energy Agency forecasts that the secondary supply of batteries and the reuse of nickel will represent just 3% of total demand in 2030 and 10% in 2040. There just is not enough material in circulation for recycling to move the needle in the next 25 years. To help close the demand gap, mining for new metals will still be essential. Substitutions come with severe compromises , such as reduced driving range. Without new mineral sources, the only remaining option would be a diminished economy—families having one less car or turning off the air conditioner, or denying developing countries access to economic growth and the greater carbon intensity it brings.

Q: H.4 What are your requirements for future refining facilities in North America?

Ideally, these facilities will be collocated with deep-water ports, avoiding the need for land transfer of the nodules. The location would ideally have access to low-cost, really clean energy and be geographically close to the customers for the metals.

Q: H.3 What testing has been done to refine nodules?

The Japanese company Pacific Metals (PAMCO ) has processed over 2,000 tons of nodules . Other companies, such as SGS and Hatch, have also developed flow sheets.

Myth #3: The deep ocean has a similar amount of life as the shallow ocean.

Myth #2: Deep sea mining threatens our planet’s largest carbon sink.

Myth #13: Recycling, substitution, or demand reduction can replace the need for deep sea minerals.

Myth #1: Very little is known about the deep seabed.

H.4 What are your requirements for future refining facilities in North America?

H.3 What testing has been done to refine nodules?

Impossible Metals

STAY INFORMED

Connect with Us

Policies

STAY INFORMED

Connect with Us

Impossible Metals

Policies