Knowra Deep-sea mining Deep-sea mining Deep-sea mining is the extraction of mineral deposits from the deep ocean floor, including polymetallic nodules, seafloor massive sulfides, and cobalt-rich crusts.
Polymetallic nodule : A mineral-rich concretion on the seafloor, composed chiefly of manganese and iron oxides. Collector machines would gather these loose deposits from abyssal plains.
Deep-sea benthos : Organisms that live on or in the deep-ocean seafloor. Mining directly alters the habitats and communities living where deposits occur.
John L. Mero : An American geologist whose 1965 book advanced the case for exploiting ocean-floor mineral resources. His work helped popularize commercial interest in manganese nodules.
Terrestrial mining : The extraction of minerals from deposits on land. Environmental arguments often compare seabed impacts with the harms of land-based extraction.
Critical minerals : Minerals considered essential to economies or technologies and vulnerable to supply disruption. Nodule, sulfide, and crust deposits contain metals commonly classified as critical.
Seafloor massive sulfide deposit : A metal-rich mineral deposit formed around submarine hydrothermal vents. Mining these deposits would require cutting or excavating mineralized seafloor.
Abyssal plain : A broad, relatively flat region of the deep-ocean floor, often covered by fine sediment. Nodule fields on abyssal plains support distinctive, slow-growing communities.
Deep Ocean Mining Environmental Study : A U.S. research program begun in the 1970s to investigate environmental effects of deep-ocean mining. The program examined ecological risks as commercial mining proposals gained attention.
Urban mining : The recovery of useful materials from discarded products, buildings, and infrastructure. Recycling existing materials could reduce demand for some newly mined metals.
Battery metal : A metal used in the active materials or components of an electrochemical battery. Proponents cite nickel, cobalt, and manganese as potential outputs for battery supply chains.
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