Summary
In “Sparing the Land by Collecting Minerals at Sea,” ocean scientist Seaver Wang advocates for a reevaluation of deep-sea mining, particularly the collection of polymetallic nodules, as a potentially less environmentally damaging alternative to traditional land-based mining. Wang argues that while deep-sea mining does pose environmental risks, such as disturbances to seafloor ecosystems, these impacts may be more localized and reversible compared to the extensive deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution associated with terrestrial mining. He emphasizes that the metals found in these nodules—nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper—are critical for renewable energy technologies and that current recycling efforts are insufficient to meet the growing demand. Wang calls for a balanced, evidence-based approach to deep-sea mining, suggesting that, with proper regulation and technological innovation, it could play a role in sustainable mineral sourcing.
Read the report here.
