<
https://theconversation.com/we-dont-need-deep-sea-mining-or-its-environmental-harms-heres-why-260401>
"Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without
the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing
nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would
harm the environment.
The practice involves scooping up rock-like nodules from vast areas of the sea
floor. These potato-sized lumps contain metals and minerals such as zinc,
manganese, molybdenum, nickel and rare earth elements.
Technology to mine the deep sea exists, but commercial mining of the deep sea
is not happening anywhere in the world. That could soon change. Nations are
meeting this month in Kingston, Jamaica, to agree to a mining code. Such a code
would make way for mining to begin within the next few years.
On Thursday, Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, released research into
the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. It aims to promote better
environmental management of deep-sea mining, should it proceed.
We have previously challenged the rationale for deep-sea mining, drawing on our
expertise in international politics and environmental management. We argue
mining the deep sea is harmful and the economic benefits have been overstated.
What’s more, the metals and minerals to be mined are not scarce.
The best course of action is a ban on international seabed mining, building on
the coalition for a moratorium."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
