Mining activity in deep sea and ocean floors could have potentially harmful consequences on the marine ecosystem, scientists warn.
According to recent research published in Nature Geoscience, rare metals found on the deep seafloor miles below the surface produce “dark oxygen.” This oxygen is created when metallic nodules react with saltwater in the absence of sunlight, similar to how a conventional battery fizzes when placed in seawater. These nodules, which contain essential components of advanced and low-carbon energy technologies, form over millions of years when metals collect around fragments on the seafloor.
The polymetallic nodules found on abyssal plains worldwide are primarily composed of oxides of iron and manganese but also contain metals like cobalt, lithium, and copper. Mining these nodules for their valuable elements could disrupt this newly discovered oxygen source, impacting the deep seafloor ecology.
Researchers conducted experiments in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the central Pacific Ocean and found that the nodules produced oxygen, similar to a AA battery’s voltage. This “geo-battery” hypothesis suggests that the nodules play a crucial role in supporting deep-sea ecosystems.
Over 800 marine scientists have called for a halt to deep-sea mining activities, citing the potential destruction of life and seabed habitats. With existing stressors like climate change, pollution, and bottom trawling already impacting deep-sea ecosystems, further mining could exacerbate these threats.
The implications of mining activities on the deep seafloor remain a topic of concern, as the delicate balance of marine ecosystems hangs in the balance. Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the potential negative effects of deep-sea mining on the seabed and its inhabitants.
