Norway Pioneers Commercial Deep Sea Mining: Balancing Economic Gain with Environmental Concerns

Deep-sea mining is a completely fresh topic for most people as Sri Lankans. In a groundbreaking move, a recent news source has published that Norway has become the first nation to embrace commercial-scale deep-sea mining, passing a bill that propels the pursuit of precious metals crucial for advancing green technologies. The bill is poised to unlock vast expanses of the ocean floor, raising both anticipation and concern among environmental scientists. Lithium, cobalt, and graphite, critical components powering green technologies, have become the focal point of an industry eyeing the mysterious depths of the ocean floor. The prospect of deep-sea mining has ignited a controversial quest, with nations already seeking exploration permits from the UN’s International Seabed Authority (ISA) to delve into the secrets of the sea.

What is Deep-Sea Mining?

Deep-sea mining seeks to extract valuable mineral deposits residing on the ocean floor, often at depths ranging from hundreds to thousands of meters. These deposits include copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, silver, gold, and rare earth elements—essential components for zero-carbon energy technologies. Polymetallic nodules, sulfides near hydrothermal vents, and metal-rich crusts on seamounts are the primary targets. Experts predict that technological advances enable mining vehicles to descend and harvest these minerals, akin to plowing a field with a tractor. The collected materials are then transported to the surface for processing, while waste is returned to the water column.

Figure 01 – Distribution of critical mineral resources in deep sea 

Source  – World Resources Institute (wri.org)

Potential Benefits of Deep-sea Mining

While deep-sea mining has not yet been undertaken commercially, proponents argue deep-sea mining could address the escalating demand for critical minerals driven by decarbonization efforts. As the world intensifies its reliance on renewable energy and electric vehicles, estimates suggest a significant increase in demand. In the pursuit of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, the demand for critical minerals has surged, propelling an industry eyeing the vast expanses of the deep ocean floor. Essential components like lithium, cobalt, and graphite, integral to EV batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels, have become magnets for countries seeking to tap into the ocean’s hidden metal ores. This has led to a controversial push for deep-sea mining exploration permits, with nations applying to the UN’s International Seabed Authority (ISA) to unlock the potential of the ocean’s depths. Also, deep-sea mining is predicted as a potential solution to circumvent challenges associated with terrestrial mining, such as deforestation and freshwater pollution.

Environmental Concerns and Global Perspectives of Deep-Sea Mining 

In reality, though, deep-sea mining will be limited by a lack of finance and technical knowledge, environmental scientists express concerns about the potentially devastating impact of deep-sea mining on marine life. The plan, focusing on Norwegian waters initially, sparks a global debate as an agreement on mining in international waters could be reached this year. 

The largely unexplored deep-sea, teeming with diverse marine life, presents ecological risks. Direct harm to marine life through direct contact, long-term disruption to species and ecosystems, potential impacts on fishing and food security, economic and social risks especially, affecting on coastal communities, and climate implications are among the concerns. The loss of deep-sea biodiversity could affect the ocean’s carbon cycle, impacting its role as a crucial carbon sink. 

How does it affect climate change?

The intersection of deep-sea mining and climate change has become a focal point in the global discourse on sustainable resource extraction and environmental conservation.

Polymetallic nodules, discovered during the HMS Challenger expedition in the 1870s, are now recognized as valuable reservoirs of manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper. These metals are integral to the production of components crucial for green technologies, offering a potential solution to the resource demands of a decarbonizing world. The World Bank estimates a 500% growth in cobalt production by 2050 to support electric vehicle and turbine manufacturing.  Proponents argue that deep-sea mining can provide a sustainable alternative to land-based extraction, mitigating the environmental impact associated with terrestrial mining activities such as deforestation and freshwater pollution.

On the flip side, vehement opposition to deep-sea mining comes from scientists, environmentalists, and notable figures like David Attenborough, who express grave concerns about its potential ecological repercussions. Delicate deep-sea ecosystems, housing thousands of undiscovered species, could face obliteration due to mining operations. The process involves dredging the ocean floor, causing sediment plumes laden with toxic metals that may disrupt marine food chains, impacting species critical to international fisheries. 

Moreover, about 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions are absorbed by the ocean, making it the greatest carbon sink in the planet. In this system that controls climate, microscopic creatures are essential because they store carbon in the deep ocean and limit the release of other gases that warm the earth, such as methane, from bottom sediments. Deep-sea biodiversity loss brought on by mining operations may affect the ocean’s carbon cycle and lessen its capacity to slow down the rise in global temperatures.

Norway’s Bold Step into deep sea mining 

Norway’s recent bill opens up approximately 280,000 square kilometers of its national waters, surpassing the size of the UK. As Norway pioneers deep-sea mining in its national waters, the international community awaits the International Seabed Authority (ISA) verdict. 

Figure 02 –  proposed Norwegian deep-sea mining area  

Source – The Norwegian Offshore Directorate (sodir.no)

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) plays a pivotal role in regulating deep-sea mining. The recent activation of an obscure clause by the Pacific Island nation of Nauru adds a sense of urgency to the negotiations. If the ISA fails to finalize regulations within two years, mining contractors might proceed without a clear regulatory framework.

Norway’s decision puts it at odds with the European Union (EU) and the UK, both advocating for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining due to potential environmental damage. The disagreement centers on the methods employed in harvesting minerals, which could generate significant noise and light pollution, posing a threat to the delicate habitat of organisms relying on nodules. The UN-affiliated body is set to finalize rules for deep-sea mining, with a contentious vote expected in 2025 that will govern whether and how countries can pursue deep-sea mining in international waters. The outcome will influence whether other nations follow Norway’s lead or heed global calls for a more cautious and environmentally conscious approach.

To gather essential clarification and insights into the topic, we contacted Prof. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Professor in Oceanography,Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology University of Ruhuna

. 

1. How does deep-sea mining affect the ecology with its slow rate of recovery in deep-sea environments?

‘In Sri Lanka, comprehensive underwater feasibility studies have been conducted for petroleum resources, but a parallel initiative for mineral resources is yet to be undertaken. Unlike terrestrial mining, deep-sea mining globally lacks a well-established sustainable process, presenting unique challenges and consequences for marine ecosystems.

It is noteworthy that, despite advancements in technology, there is currently no recognized sustainable mining process for deep-sea excavation. As with terrestrial mining, the extraction of minerals from the ocean floor poses potential threats to marine ecosystems, requiring careful consideration and responsible management.

In addressing these concerns, one proactive measure is to prioritize precautionary steps, such as conducting thorough feasibility studies. These studies play a crucial role in identifying and avoiding highly biodiverse and sensitive areas during the planning and execution of deep-sea mining projects. The success of these precautionary measures, however, is contingent on the effectiveness of a country’s governance system.’

2. what measures can be taken to mitigate the long-term ecological consequences of large-scale seabed mining, especially in areas with high biodiversity? 

‘Mining, while economically advantageous, poses significant environmental challenges, particularly when it involves the extraction of bottom sediment. The process of mining and subsequent filtration generates by-products that, when released back into the ocean, can result in highly toxic outlets. Mitigating the damage caused by such activities proves to be an intricate task.

One example of a mitigation method is the establishment of silt curtains. However, implementing this approach on a large scale presents considerable challenges. Silt curtains, designed to contain and control sediment dispersion, are difficult to conduct effectively in the expansive operations characteristic of large-scale mining.’

3. In the context of the growing importance of renewable energy technologies, how does deep-sea mining contribute to a sustainable and low-impact transition to greener energy sources?

‘Mining operations are primarily focused on extracting minerals that can use in advancing renewable energy technologies. For instance, metals obtained through ocean mining can be utilized in the production of batteries and machinery essential for the transition to renewable energy sources. This connection between ocean mining and renewable energy consumption serves as the only justification for such endeavors, albeit a contentious one leading to opposition from people.

Despite the potential benefits, concerns persist regarding the environmental impact of ocean mining. One prediction suggests that dredging during mining activities could release more nutrients from the bottom sediments to the surface. While this may enhance productivity and support processes like photosynthesis, contributing to carbon dioxide absorption and food security, these potential benefits are viewed with caution due to their long-term and not yet fully understood nature.

However, when evaluating the environmental aspects, the drawbacks seem to outweigh the advantages. Distinct from the environmental disruptions seen in terrestrial ecosystems, such as deforestation and water pollution, marine environments face unique consequences. The destruction of the bottom layer, for instance, disrupts microbial processes and adversely affects the crucial water-sediment coupling process in oceans. Here, environmental advantages are very limited and comparing with terrestrial environment is not justify the impact because those are completely two different environments.’

To address the deep-sea mining in Sri Lankan context, we reached out to a researcher, Mr. Sudarsha Da Silva, Hub Leader at Sustainable Ocean Alliance Sri Lanka and Co-Founder of Earthlanka Youth Network. 

‘In the event of future deep-sea mining activities in Sri Lanka, the approach to minimize environmental impact would likely draw inspiration from countries like Norway, where careful considerations and limitations are placed on excavation sites. Presently, Sri Lanka faces challenges in terms of financial and technological feasibility, hindering the immediate initiation of deep-sea mining projects within recent years. It’s worth noting that the global landscape of deep-sea mining is still in its early stages, and Sri Lanka may adopt a cautious and selective strategy similar to that of Norway.

The selection of specific areas for deep-sea mining projects, mirroring the Norwegian model, implies a commitment to minimizing potential ecological damage. Norway’s approach involves identifying and excavating only limited areas, recognizing the sensitivity of certain marine ecosystems.

Despite the potential benefits, it’s acknowledged that the current state of technology and mining processes for deep-sea mining poses environmental risks. The lack of established eco-friendly methods globally underscores the primitive nature of deep-sea mining practices.’

Conclusion 

The technical feasibility of deep-sea mining poses considerable challenges. Mining at depths where pressure is 500 times greater than the surface requires advanced technology and massive surface ships. The extraction process involves deploying robot bulldozers connected to pipelines, trundling over the ocean floor to collect nodules, and pumping them to the surface. The formal discussions about environmental impacts are set to commence in 2024, creating uncertainty about the course of action in the interim. In the coming years, deep-sea mining will shape not only the industry’s future but also its impact on climate change and the preservation of the world beneath the waves. As the world grapples with the pressing need for critical minerals and the imperative to combat climate change, the debate surrounding deep-sea mining intensifies. Striking a balance between meeting resource demands and ensuring environmental responsibility remains a challenge.

• With inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige  –