The recent demonstration of a robot plucking rocks from the seabed in a harbour marks a significant step forward in the controversial realm of deep-sea mining. This autonomous machine, developed by Impossible Metals, is designed to hunt for polymetallic nodules—potato-sized lumps rich in metals crucial for renewable energy devices and batteries. The robot’s three-pronged claw and on-board camera system, which scans for creatures to avoid disturbing their habitats, represent a more environmentally conscious approach to deep-sea mining. Oliver Gunasekara, co-founder and chief executive of Impossible Metals, claims the system is 95% accurate at detecting lifeforms of 1mm or greater in size, a claim that, if true, could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of deep-sea mining operations.
However, the environmental impact of deep-sea mining remains a contentious issue. Jessica Battle, who leads the global no deep-seabed mining initiative at the WWF, argues that mining inherently removes the substrate of life in and on the deep seafloor, regardless of the technology used. This perspective is echoed by John Childs at Lancaster University, who advocates for leaving the relatively untouched and poorly understood deep seabed alone. The scars left by past mining experiments, such as those in the Pacific Ocean in 1979, serve as stark reminders of the potential long-term damage. These scars remain visible today, with wildlife still not fully recovered four decades later.
The controversy surrounding deep-sea mining has already led to the downfall of companies like Nautilus Minerals, which sought to begin operations in the late 2010s but went bankrupt in 2019 amid protests and financial troubles. The potential for commercial deep-sea mining operations to commence this year, pending the publication of international regulations, adds urgency to the debate. Impossible Metals is already building a larger version of its robot, capable of commercial-scale operations, with plans to deploy “hundreds” of such bots to harvest the seabed simultaneously.
Impossible Metals’ approach, which involves a vessel that does not need to remain in a precise spot for extended periods, aims to reduce noise pollution and its impact on wildlife. Gunasekara argues that deep-sea mining could reduce the need for environmentally damaging land-based mining. However, this argument is met with skepticism by those who advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, viewing it as a form of “virtue signalling.”
Other companies, such as Seabed Solutions and The Metals Company, are exploring different technologies for deep-sea mining. Seabed Solutions is developing a saw-based device to extract mineral-containing crusts, while The Metals Company, led by Gerard Barron, is working on a technique involving machinery that scoops polymetallic nodules off the seabed. Barron remains bullish about his company’s prospects, despite facing protests and lawsuits, including a class action lawsuit filed by investors over reporting of proceeds from a partner company in 2023.
The environmental impact of deep-sea mining extends beyond sediment disturbance. Ann Vanreusel at Ghent University highlights that the sought-after polymetallic nodules are themselves home to some creatures, which use them as a substrate. Even if mining machinery created zero sediment disturbance, pollution, and noise, removing nodules would still impact the ecosystem. Additionally, the deep sea holds cultural significance for many indigenous cultures, further complicating the ethical landscape of deep-sea mining.
The market volatility for the metals sought by deep-sea mining firms adds another layer of uncertainty. Lea Reitmeier at the London School of Economics questions the business case for deep-sea mining, suggesting that the supply shortages for these minerals may not be as pronounced as some hope. This uncertainty, coupled with the environmental concerns, poses significant challenges for the future of deep-sea mining.
As the debate rages on, the development of more environmentally friendly technologies, such as those proposed by Impossible Metals, could shape the future of the sector. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, and the industry must navigate a complex web of environmental, ethical, and economic considerations. The potential for deep-sea mining to contribute to the green energy transition is undeniable, but so too are the risks and uncertainties that accompany it. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether deep-sea mining can be conducted in a manner that balances the need for critical metals with the preservation of the deep-sea ecosystem.