What is deep-sea mining and why is it so controversial?

The answer

Deep-sea mining targets polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and massive sulfide deposits found on the ocean floor at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters. These contain manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements critical for batteries and electronics. The International Seabed Authority has issued 31 exploration contracts covering over 1.5 million square kilometers. Critics warn that mining would destroy slow-growing ecosystems - some nodules take millions of years to form. In 2023, over 20 countries called for a moratorium or precautionary pause. Sediment plumes from mining could smother filter-feeding organisms across vast areas and disrupt species not yet discovered by science.