Proponents argue that deep sea mining is beneficial because the metals it extracts are considered essential for the global transition away from fossil fuels.
The Argument for Deep Sea Mining's Benefits
The primary argument for deep-sea mining being good centers on its potential to provide critical resources needed for modern technologies, particularly those supporting renewable energy and electric transportation.
Key Benefit:
- Essential for Energy Transition: Proponents of deep-sea mining argue that the metals found in the deep sea are necessary for achieving the transition away from fossil fuels. These metals, such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper, are vital components in batteries for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure like wind turbines, and other green technologies.
Mining these resources from the deep seabed is seen by some as a way to secure the supply chain for the materials needed to build a low-carbon future, potentially reducing reliance on land-based mining, which also has significant environmental and social impacts. Accessing these deep-sea reserves is presented as a solution to meet the increasing demand for these critical minerals as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources.
