New Research on Long-Term Impacts from DSM…and the Importance of Context

A recent study published in Nature demonstrated that after 44 years, a nodule harvesting site in the CCZ showed mixed recovery signals.  The physical impacts from the vehicle tracks and from the missing nodules were still clearly evident. Yet, many of the environmental signals pointed to varying degrees of recovery.   Densities for the smaller and … Read more

Is WWF’s Campaign Against Deep Sea Mineral Extraction Corrupt?

Is WWF protecting corporations at the expense of indigenous peoples & the environment? Summary The Ugly Truth Toward the end of the year, a number of news stories broke reminding us how car and technology companies, through their mineral purchases, may be fueling the death and illness of indigenous peoples, the theft of local mineral … Read more

EU Waffles on Deep Sea Mining

EU Central Bank President, Mario Draghi, issued a report in September entitled, “The Future of European Competitiveness.”  The need for the report was driven chiefly by the fact that the EU has lagged behind the United States and China when it comes to growth and investment – and is especially trailing in innovation.  One of … Read more

Mining for EV Metals Threatens African Gorillas – Nodule Harvesting Can Help

In a study published in Science Advances, Jessica Junker, Laura Sonter, and their team of researchers conclude that substantial increases in mining for minerals used in clean energy technologies poses a serious threat to the great apes of Africa – one of the most endangered groups of species on the planet.  The authors assert that … Read more

Seaver Wang’s Breakthrough

In a piece entitled, “Sparing the Land by Collecting Minerals at Sea,” ocean scientist Seaver Wang, Co-Director of Climate and Energy at The Breakthrough Institute, makes the case that collecting nodules may be better for the planet than the alternative – mining on land.  This, of course, is a theme our regular readers will recognize.  … Read more