Risks of deep-sea mining exceed its benefits: comment

Deep sea mining poses a significant threat to the delicate and slow-growing ecosystems in the ocean depths, according to a commentary in the journal Ocean Sustainability. The proposed mining of minerals from the Pacific floor, ostensibly to support renewable energy, could cause permanent and irreparable damage to seafloor habitats and the long-lived organisms inhabiting the deep sea. The cost of restoring even 30% of the potential mining sites would exceed the combined defence budgets of all nations. The commentary advocates for exploring sustainable alternatives and preventing the commencement of deep sea mining. (Environment America)