Seabed Mining Meets Reality: What the Technoeconomic Evidence Shows - CleanTechnica

The article discusses a recent technoeconomic assessment of deep-sea mining commissioned by the National Ocean Protection Coalition (NOPC) and presented in a webinar. Deep-sea mining, which targets metals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper essential for clean energy and defense technologies, has yet to be commercialized at scale. While proponents claim it offers economic benefits, strategic advantages, and ethical mineral sourcing, opponents highlight significant environmental risks and the opposition of Indigenous and Pacific communities most affected by such activities. The debate intensified following a 2025 U.S. executive order accelerating seabed mining approvals, with leases proposed near sensitive marine monuments in U.S. Pacific waters and potential permits for international waters that could challenge existing global agreements. Key points from the assessment emphasize that deep-sea mining faces strong resistance from local governments and communities, including American Samoa and other Pacific states, many of which have banned or restricted mining in their waters. Scientific evidence confirms the potential for widespread and irreversible ocean harm, though the extent remains