Environmental risk of deep-sea mining is unjustifiable: comment

Despite technological advancements and the potential for deep-sea mining (DSM) to supply metals crucial for decarbonisation, significant environmental and regulatory challenges remain. The current focus is on the polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, and polymetallic sulfides targeted by DSM. These efforts are largely concentrated outside national jurisdictions, in areas such as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. However, environmental concerns and the risk of irreversible damage from DSM are profound, with potential impacts on deep-sea ecosystems that could alter global biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity. Given the high environmental risks and the availability of alternative on-land mining resources, DSM is viewed by many as unjustifiable. (Nature)