Check out the top stories from the deep, taken from coverage between 15-22 May 2023
Italian government dreams of destroying the seabed
Source: IBI World
After years of passive and silent participation, Italy decided on 3 May to activate its participation in the International Seabed Authority (ISA). […] The purpose of the visit was to verify the possibility of extending the area in which ISA plans to mine the Mediterranean seabed.
IBI expresses its concern as Italy pushes for deep-sea mining at the ISA. They cite Italian media’s lack of engagement as a worry as politicians make crucial decisions without parliamentary debate.
AWI researchers demonstrate high natural radioactivity of manganese nodules
Source: Alfred Wegener Institute
“Our new study on the radioactivity of manganese nodules demonstrates that, beyond the consequences for marine ecosystems, there could be human health hazards in connection with mining and processing of manganese nodules, and the use of products manufactured on this basis. It’s imperative that this aspect is considered in all future planning.”
A new study by the Alfred Wegener Institute has uncovered another potentially damaging impact of deep-sea mining. While the ecological danger of deep-sea mining has been well documented, scientists are also discovering the threat that deep-sea mining could cause to human health. The mineral manganese is a particularly sought after element of the polymetallic nodules found on the seabed. It is this manganese however that researchers say emits “one hundred- to one thousand-fold” above the safe limit of radium-226.
Can the world make an electric car battery without China?
Source: The New York Times
Author: Agnes Chang and Keith Bradsher
“Our new study on the radioactivity of manganese nodules demonstrates that, beyond the consequences for marine ecosystems, there could be human health hazards in connection with mining and processing of manganese nodules, and the use of products manufactured on this basis. It’s imperative that this aspect is considered in all future planning.”
Describing the hunt production of electric batteries as the “defining” economic competition of our age, Chang and Bradsher suggest that China’s mining of minerals and production of batteries is currently unparalleled. As the geopolitical tension surrounding mineral supply heats up, discussions will inevitably turn to alternative forms of mineral mining.
Campaigners push corporations to divest in deep-sea mining, as major shipping company Maersk pulls investment
Source: ABC
Author: Prianka Srinivasan
Danish shipping company Maersk has become the latest company to pull its investment from deep-sea mining. […] The move is part of dampening market interest in deep-sea mining, say environmental campaigners — who are urging more companies to pull support from the nascent industry.
Maersk’s divestment follows Lockheed Martin selling their shares in the Metals Company several months prior. ABC cites a reluctance to risk finances in an unstable industry alongside the environmental concerns in the ‘dampening’ interest in deep-sea mining.
Scientist defects as CSIRO is co-opted in controversial deep-sea mining venture
Source: Michael West Media
Author: Suzanne Arnold
A defecting CSIRO scientist has labelled the agency an “extravagant consulting company” due to its involvement in a controversial deep-sea mining project.
CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is the Australian governmental agency which as been commissioned to “model and develop ecosystem-based environmental monitoring and management plans” for proposed deep-sea mining projects. As concern rises surrounding the industry, Professor David Karoly has cut ties with the CSIRO making accusations that the agency is “being used by the government to blur controversial policy deliberations”.
Is it too late to halt deep-sea mining? Meet the activists trying to save the seabed
Source: The Guardian
Author: Michael Segalov
If mining companies are given the go-ahead to exploit the ocean depths, the environmental cost will be devastating. As the clock ticks down to a crucial deadline in July, Michael Segalov reports.
The Guardian unpacks the simultaneously urgent, and agonisingly granular course of the International Seabed Authority’s (ISA’s) recent meetings. With a two year ultimatum on the agreement of deep-sea mining regulations reaching its deadline, the stakes have never been higher, and yet, serious concerns about the effectiveness of the ISA.