What is deep-sea mining?
Deep-sea mining refers to efforts to extract minerals from the ocean floor at depths greater than 200 meters. It is distinct from seabed mining in shallow water, which already occurs in some areas.
Has any deep-sea mining happened yet?
As of 2024, no commercial deep-sea mining has been done on an industrial scale. Some contractors have tested mining equipment in the deep ocean.
What are the main potential targets for deep-sea mining?
The International Seabed Authority has issued exploration contracts for contractors to identify potential resources from three sources:
What are the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining?
Any industrial scale deep-sea mining is likely to have significant impacts on deep-ocean environments. Because environmental conditions in the deep ocean are usually relatively stable and biological and ecological processes occur at a slow pace, sudden changes can have widespread and long-lasting consequences, including on ecosystem function and services of ecosystems like the abyssal plain, seamounts, and hydrothermal vents. Any animals that live or rely on the resources being mined will be killed. Sediment suspended in the water by mining activities will negatively impact life in the water column before settling and smothering seafloor animals, and the potential effects of light and noise from deep-sea mining are unclear. Because the deep sea is important to life both in the shallow ocean and on the surface, any environmental impacts of deep-sea mining may indirectly affect people as well. Because of the large number of knowledge gaps in our understanding of the deep ocean, much more research is required for deep-sea mining to be managed in an evidence-based way.
Who is in charge of deep-sea mining?
A sovereign state has the authority to regulate any deep-sea mining within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which usually extends 200 nautical miles from the country’s coastline. International law may influence mining within an EEZ if that mining may cause harm to other sovereign states (for example, if related pollution crosses into international waters or the territory of another country.)
The rules for deep-sea mining in international waters (areas beyond national jurisdiction) are being developed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an intergovernmental body established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA has a mandate to organize and control all mineral-related activities conducted on the international seabed, referred to officially as “the Area.” In doing so, the ISA must ensure that any activities in the Area are carried out for the benefit of humankind as a whole. It must also ensure effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities.
As of 2024, the ISA is continuing to develop draft exploitation regulations that will control deep-sea mining in international waters. The ISA has not yet issued any permits to commercially mine deep-ocean resources.
What does DOSI do at the International Seabed Authority?
As a network of deep-ocean experts, DOSI acts as an official observer at ISA meetings. Our Minerals Working Group informs the ISA about the likely environmental impacts of deep-sea mining so that member states have the information they need to make important policy decisions. We also share the latest research on the benefits healthy deep-ocean environments provide to people.
I’m an ocean expert or student. Can I help inform deep-sea mining policy with DOSI?
We’re always looking for support! Experts and students can reach out about joining DOSI’s Minerals Working Group, which works to inform policymakers and other stakeholders around the world using the latest research on deep-sea mining’s likely impacts. Working Group members help write policy briefs and other documents, and some even attend policy meetings to speak on important deep-ocean science. If you want to get involved, please complete this form and indicate that you are interested in joining the Minerals Working Group.
What is DOSI’s position on deep-sea mining?
DOSI focuses on sharing expert knowledge with decision-makers to inform their choices. To make sure those points are communicated as clearly as possible, our network does not currently take official positions on deep-sea mining policy. Our role is to provide decision-makers with the best possible information on deep-ocean habitats, the benefits they currently provide to people on the surface, the likely environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, and strategies to maintain the integrity of deep-ocean ecosystems within and beyond national jurisdiction.
I would like to talk to an expert on this topic. Who should I contact?
If you have a question or would like to arrange an interview with an expert, please reach out to DOSIcomms@gmail.com. Our team will be happy to answer your question or set up an interview with a DOSI member who can help.