Articles tagged with "deep-sea-mining"
China's deep sea mining rover reaches 6,000 feet below to dig cobalt
China has successfully field-tested an intelligent robotic mining vehicle capable of operating at depths of 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) in the western Pacific Ocean, specifically beyond the US-established “second island chain” near Guam. Developed by teams from the National Engineering Research Centre for Metal Mining, Central South University, and Tianjin University, the vehicle demonstrated autonomous navigation and maneuverability across cobalt-rich ocean floor terrain. This marks a significant advancement from previous Chinese efforts, which were largely theoretical or lab-scale, and highlights China’s growing capabilities in deep-sea mining technology. The ocean floor is believed to hold vast cobalt resources—estimated at over 7.3 billion tonnes—far exceeding known terrestrial reserves. Cobalt is critical for rechargeable batteries and aerospace applications, making these seabed deposits strategically important. China currently dominates global cobalt refining capacity (about 73%) and is projected to supply nearly half of the world’s mined cobalt by 2030. The successful test of this mining rover is expected to
roboticsdeep-sea-miningcobaltrechargeable-batteriesautonomous-vehicleseabed-resourcesmining-technologyDeep-sea mining dilemma: Powering green tech at the cost of ocean life
The article discusses the complex dilemma posed by deep-sea mining, particularly the extraction of polymetallic nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean. These nodules, rich in critical metals like nickel, copper, and manganese, are essential for manufacturing batteries and renewable energy technologies, with global demand expected to surge by 2040. Proponents argue that harvesting these nodules could stabilize supply chains and reduce reliance on environmentally damaging and ethically problematic land-based mining. The mining process involves a sophisticated system operating 4,000 meters below the ocean surface, using a robotic collector to vacuum nodules from the seafloor, which are then transported to the surface for processing. However, scientists and environmentalists warn that deep-sea mining could irreversibly damage fragile ecosystems that have developed over millions of years. The seabed habitats, including newly discovered species like the gelatinous "gummy squirrel" sea cucumber, depend on the nodules for survival.
energymaterialsdeep-sea-miningpolymetallic-noduleselectric-vehiclesrenewable-energybattery-materialsShould We Sacrifice The Seabed Floor For Next Generation Technology? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding deep sea mining, particularly in light of recent U.S. government actions promoting the practice despite international prohibitions. Deep sea mining targets polymetallic nodules on the ocean floor, which contain valuable minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements essential for modern technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and medical devices. However, these nodules are home to unique and poorly understood marine ecosystems, including bioluminescent animals and species adapted to oxygen-minimum zones. Mining these nodules would destroy these fragile habitats, raising significant ecological concerns. The article highlights the tension between technological and economic interests and the need to protect the ocean’s last largely untouched frontier. While the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for ocean governance and emphasizes the protection of marine environments for present and future generations, the Trump administration has pushed forward with mining initiatives under an older
energydeep-sea-miningrare-earth-elementslithiumcobaltelectric-vehicleswind-turbinesTrump administration may sell deep-sea mining leases at startup’s urging
robotdeep-sea-miningautonomous-vehiclescritical-mineralsenvironmental-impactunderwater-technologyresource-extraction