The International Seabed Authority (ISA), based in Kingston, Jamaica, oversees roughly half of the globe’s oceans. This area, known as the “Area,” is rich in polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable metals such as cobalt and nickel. There is growing interest in seabed mining to extract these resources for use in renewable energy technologies. However, this practice poses environmental hazards to deep-sea ecosystems, which are home to unique bioluminescent creatures. Experts like marine biologist Edith Widder and writer Helen Scales advocate for the protection of these fragile habitats and the need for more exploration and understanding of the deep-sea before mining operations proceed. Nauru, a small island nation, is looking to venture into seabed mining in partnership with the Metals Company, but the long-term consequences and regulations surrounding deep-sea mining remain uncertain.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seabed mining for minerals | Shift from land-based mining to deep-sea mining | Increased commercial mining operations and potential environmental consequences | Demand for minerals for clean energy technologies |
| International Seabed Authority (ISA) | Greater recognition and authority | Improved governance and regulation of deep-sea mining | Growing interest in deep-sea mineral resources |
| Polymetallic nodules as a resource | Extraction and utilization of nodules | Depletion of nodules and potential impact on deep-sea ecosystems | Need for resources for clean energy technologies |
| Environmental hazards of seabed mining | Growing concerns and risks | Increased efforts to understand and mitigate environmental impacts | Balancing resource extraction and environmental sustainability |
| Bioluminescent creatures in the deep sea | Preservation and understanding of deep-sea biodiversity | Greater awareness and protection of deep-sea ecosystems | Appreciation of the value of deep-sea biodiversity |
| Rare and valuable species in the deep sea | Potential loss and extinction of unique species | Conservation efforts to protect deep-sea species | Preservation of unique deep-sea biodiversity |
| Nauru’s transition to seabed mining | Economic shift from phosphate mining to deep-sea mining | Economic opportunities and potential risks for Nauru | Economic and resource diversification for Nauru |
| International Seabed Authority regulations | Development and implementation of regulations for deep-sea mining | Clear guidelines and rules for deep-sea mining operations | Governance and management of deep-sea mineral resources |
| Manufactured nodules as a replacement | Potential alternative to natural nodules in deep-sea mining | Artificial nodules used in place of natural ones | Mitigating environmental impact of deep-sea mining operations |