Deep-sea mining is at a critical transition point between identification of promising seabed mineral resources and commencement of full-scale commercial production. Exploration work and detailed resource assessments point to several potential sites for exploitation in different parts of world oceans. Deep-sea mineral resources that occur within and beyond the national jurisdictions are being projected as alternate sources of critical metals such as Cu, Ni, Co, rare earths and others, which are necessary for meeting mankind’s growing demands as well as for transitioning to green energy alternatives. Several entities are developing technology for efficiently mining these resources, whilst national and international organisations have been working on the required regulations. This has led to an increasing interest among financial institutions as well as policymakers in order to reap the benefits of this resource considering the emerging geopolitical scenarios as well as degradation of environmental conditions on land due to mining. This chapter aims to provide an overview on the resource potential as well as the future prospects of deep-sea mining.

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Deep-Sea Mining: Resource Potential and Future Prospects

  • Rahul Sharma,
  • Phillip Gales

摘要

Deep-sea mining is at a critical transition point between identification of promising seabed mineral resources and commencement of full-scale commercial production. Exploration work and detailed resource assessments point to several potential sites for exploitation in different parts of world oceans. Deep-sea mineral resources that occur within and beyond the national jurisdictions are being projected as alternate sources of critical metals such as Cu, Ni, Co, rare earths and others, which are necessary for meeting mankind’s growing demands as well as for transitioning to green energy alternatives. Several entities are developing technology for efficiently mining these resources, whilst national and international organisations have been working on the required regulations. This has led to an increasing interest among financial institutions as well as policymakers in order to reap the benefits of this resource considering the emerging geopolitical scenarios as well as degradation of environmental conditions on land due to mining. This chapter aims to provide an overview on the resource potential as well as the future prospects of deep-sea mining.