Opinion
Metal Demand and Deep-Sea Mining
Received Date: December 14, 2020; Published Date: January 12, 2021
Abstract
The 21st century faces a high need for resources and specifically critical metals. As terrestrial mineral deposits are depleted, the exploration of marine resources seems to be a promising solution. Significant metal abundances are found in the deep seabed and particularly in polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts and seafloor massive sulphides. However, deep-sea mining causes many environmental impacts and deep-sea ecosystems are less understood as well as difficult to monitor. The adoption of a circular economy and the rejection of the throwaway attitude will help managing finite resources while meeting the needs of a growing world population with lower risks to humankind and the environment.
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