Deep ocean mining faces policy debate

Policymakers are debating the necessity and safety of deep ocean mining, particularly for critical minerals like copper, manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Companies like The Metals Company are developing technology to extract these minerals from polymetallic nodules found over 13,000 feet below the Pacific Ocean's surface. This pursuit is driven by the projected quadrupling demand for critical metals due to the clean energy transition, according to the IEA. However, significant ecological concerns and a lack of agreed-upon regulations from the International Seabed Authority are causing a rift among nations and scientists, with some calling for a complete ban.