Seabed Minerals: The Stakes for the Planet and Sustainable Construction
In the global energy transition context, the demand for rare metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese has reached unprecedented levels. These resources, critical for batteries, renewable energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure, are driving numerous technological innovations. With terrestrial reserves depleting and environmental challenges intensifying, the deep sea—rich in polymetallic nodules and hydrothermal sulfides—emerges as an enticing alternative.
However, exploiting the ocean depths raises critical questions. These resources, though vital, are embedded in unique, often fragile ecosystems that remain poorly understood. Can underwater mining truly coexist with the preservation of marine biodiversity? Or are we witnessing yet another contradiction between technological progress and environmental sustainability?
This blog delves into the opportunities and challenges of seabed mining, shedding light on its implications for biodiversity and the ethical dilemmas it poses.
Mining Potential and Promises for Sustainable Technologies
Key Resources and Industrial Applications
The deep sea holds vast reserves of strategic mineral resources. These materials, while challenging to extract, are invaluable for meeting the growing demand for sustainable technologies, particularly in renewable energy, electronics, and green building sectors. Their exploitation could revolutionize global supply chains and drive the energy transition. However, it also raises significant environmental and ethical concerns. Here are three key examples of resources found in the ocean’s depths:
Polymetallic Nodules: These natural formations, located on the deep-sea floor at depths between 3,500 and 5,000 meters, are primarily composed of manganese and iron, with notable concentrations of nickel, copper, and cobalt. These metals are critical for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage—essential components of green technologies. [1]
Hydrothermal Sulfides: Found near hydrothermal vents, these mineral deposits contain high concentrations of copper, zinc, and lead, as well as precious metals like gold and silver. They offer significant opportunities for the production of electronic components and durable construction materials. [2]
Cobalt-Rich Crusts: Formed on the slopes of underwater mountains, these deposits are rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Cobalt plays a pivotal role in producing lithium-ion batteries, widely utilized in renewable technologies and connected infrastructure for sustainable buildings. [3]
Industrial and Economic Advantages
One of the primary benefits of deep-sea mining lies in alleviating pressure on terrestrial mining operations. Land-based mining often results in widespread deforestation, biodiversity loss, and significant greenhouse gas emissions—not to mention its human toll. Diversifying supply chains through marine resources could mitigate these environmental impacts while ensuring sustainable access to critical metals. However, this advantage hinges on rigorous management practices and responsible resource utilization to avoid repeating the mistakes of terrestrial mining. [4]
Deep-sea mining could also bolster the global energy transition by supplying essential materials for cleaner technologies. Renewable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, rely on equipment that depends on rare metals. Access to these marine resources could accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies and reduce the costs of technological innovations. That said, this argument requires careful consideration: the potential environmental consequences of seabed mining may conflict with the very sustainability goals these materials are intended to support. [5]
The Discovery of the "Black Oxygen Pebble"
A recent breakthrough has revealed that certain polymetallic nodules possess revolutionary electrochemical properties. Through electrolysis, these nodules can split water into oxygen and hydrogen, presenting a unique potential for energy storage. This discovery could transform energy systems, particularly for self-sufficient buildings and connected infrastructure. [6]
However, this potential must be approached with caution. While the extraction of these nodules opens promising avenues, it also raises concerns about its ecological impact. Harvesting these "pebbles" could disrupt marine ecosystems that remain largely unexplored, challenging the balance between technological innovation and environmental preservation.
The deep sea undeniably holds immense potential to support the energy transition and drive the development of sustainable technologies. However, any initiative in this field must carefully consider environmental impacts and explore alternative solutions to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of fragile ocean ecosystems.
Environmental Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas
Impacts on Marine Biodiversity
The deep sea hosts unique, often poorly understood, and particularly fragile ecosystems. Mining activities in these profound depths directly disrupt marine habitats, especially in abyssal plains where polymetallic nodules are found. These habitats, composed of sediment rich in microorganisms, play a crucial role in sustaining marine food chains.
Moreover, deep-sea endemic species, adapted to extreme conditions such as darkness and high pressure, are highly vulnerable. Physical disturbances, such as dredging or the deployment of mining robots, can cause irreversible destruction. Given their slow reproductive cycles, these species struggle to recover from such disruptions. Similarly, hydrothermal vents—rich in sulfides—serve as refuges for unique organisms, some of which may harbor untapped biological properties with potential applications in fields like pharmaceuticals. [7]
Consequences on Natural Cycles
The deep sea plays a critical role in regulating global carbon and oxygen cycles. For instance, sediments in abyssal plains act as natural carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of organic carbon. Any disturbance to these sediments can release carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Similarly, altering the seabed may affect oxygen fluxes within marine ecosystems, disrupting interactions between deep zones and upper ocean layers. Uncontrolled exploitation could interrupt these processes, threatening not only local ecosystems but also the stability of global ecological cycles. [8]
The Sustainability Paradox
Seabed resource exploitation presents a fundamental paradox. While these materials are touted as essential for the energy transition and green technologies, their extraction may cause environmental impacts that contradict sustainability goals.
A concrete example lies in the extraction of polymetallic nodules. Operations carried out by robots or dredges generate sediment plumes that spread over vast areas. These plumes blanket the seabed, depriving organisms of light and oxygen, while releasing heavy metals into the water. Thus, producing "green" materials at the expense of marine ecosystems highlights a dissonance between sustainability objectives and the methods used to achieve them. [9]
A Necessary Alternative for True Sustainability
Existing Solutions
In light of the potential environmental impacts of seabed mining, it is essential to prioritize sustainable and responsible approaches to meet the demand for critical materials. Recycling existing metals offers an effective alternative to reduce reliance on virgin resources. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), only 18 out of 60 studied metals have a recycling rate exceeding 50%, while among the 37 metals deemed critical for the economy, only 10 surpass a 1% recycling rate. This highlights the significant potential to improve recovery technologies and infrastructures. Such a transition could substantially alleviate pressure on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. [10]
In sustainable construction, the circular economy also plays a pivotal role. It focuses on maximizing material reuse, reducing waste, and optimizing supply chains by incorporating recycled or low-carbon footprint products. For example, using recycled components in energy storage systems and connected infrastructure can contribute to a more sustainable model without requiring intensive new extractions.
Investing in Research and Regulation
To mitigate the impacts of deep-sea mining, it is crucial to develop less invasive extraction methods. Technologies such as intelligent underwater drones and targeted collection systems could minimize disturbances to marine habitats, but they require significant investment in research and development.
Simultaneously, strengthening international regulations is imperative. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) plays a central role in regulating exploration and exploitation activities. However, current rules must be expanded to include stringent sustainability and transparency standards. A coherent global governance framework involving states, industries, and NGOs is essential to ensure that mining activities do not jeopardize biodiversity and global ecological cycles. [11]
Critical Reflection: A Cognitive Dissonance
The promising discoveries in the deep sea, such as polymetallic nodules and black oxygen pebbles, underscore a fundamental contradiction between innovation and environmental preservation. While these resources aim to support the energy transition and sustainability goals, their exploitation risks causing irreversible damage to marine ecosystems.
Rather than relying on destructive practices, efforts must be redirected toward more environmentally respectful alternatives. True sustainability requires a long-term vision that prioritizes the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of innovations aligned with ecological principles. Investing in recycling, circular economy practices, and robust regulations represents a promising path toward building a truly sustainable future where technology and the environment coexist harmoniously.
Conclusion: An Opportunity or a Sustainable Deadlock?
Seabed mineral exploitation holds considerable promise for advancing the energy transition but poses significant risks to marine biodiversity and ecosystems. These discoveries, while innovative, expose a fundamental contradiction between technological progress and ecological sustainability.
Although significant innovations could mitigate the environmental impact of extraction methods, the associated costs remain high. Would it not be wiser to reconsider our reliance on these resources and focus our efforts on genuinely sustainable alternatives?
To build a balanced and environmentally respectful future, it is crucial to prioritize solutions such as recycling, circular economy practices, and strengthening international regulations to protect our ecosystems and natural resources.
[1] Archimer. (2012). Les nodules polymétalliques : ressources potentielles pour les énergies renouvelables. Retrieved from https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5396/4850.pdf
[2] GEO-OCEAN. (2020). Sulfures hydrothermaux et leurs applications industrielles. Retrieved from https://www.geo-ocean.fr/Expertise
[3] Archimer. (2012). Encroûtements cobaltifères : un atout pour la transition énergétique. Retrieved from https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00069/18029
[4]Direction générale de l'Aménagement, du Logement et de la Nature. (2016). Exploitation des ressources minérales des grands fonds marins : Impact environnemental et enjeux de durabilité. Temis. Retrieved from https://temis.documentation.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/docs/Temis/0081/Temis-0081433/21860_B.pdf
[5] Bonpote. (2022). Le deep-sea mining : Comment l’exploitation minière des fonds marins menace notre avenir. Retrieved from https://bonpote.com/le-deep-sea-mining-comment-lexploitation-miniere-des-fonds-marins-menace-notre-avenir/
[6] Francetvinfo. (2023). Une mystérieuse source d’oxygène découverte tout au fond de l’océan. Retrieved from https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-billet-vert/une-mysterieuse-source-d-oxygene-decouverte-tout-au-fond-de-l-ocean_6642333.html
[7] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2017). Deep-sea mining threatens unique marine life, experts warn. Retrieved from https://iucn.org/news/secretariat/201706/deep-sea-mining-threatens-unique-marine-life-experts-warn
[8] ScienceDaily. (2020). Deep-sea mining may impact midwater ecosystems. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201008124430.htm
[9] World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (n.d.). Deep seabed mining is an avoidable environmental disaster. Retrieved from https://www.wwf.eu/?2111841%2FWWF-report-deep-seabed-mining-is-an-avoidable-environmental-disaster
[10] Sia Partners. (n.d.). Pourquoi les métaux critiques échappent-ils au recyclage ? Retrieved from https://www.sia-partners.com/fr/publications/publications-de-nos-experts/pourquoi-les-metaux-critiques-echappent-ils-au-recyclage
[11] United Nations Press. (2024). Deep-sea mining requires stronger global governance, says International Seabed Authority. Retrieved from https://press.un.org/fr/2024/ag/12668.doc.htm
Written by Mehdi BELAHOUCINE
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