In a move that could reshape the future of deep-sea mining, a consortium led by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has developed the first environmental management framework designed to protect deep-sea ecosystems during mining operations. The project, commissioned by The Metals Company Australia (TMC), brought together scientists from CSIRO, Griffith University, Museums Victoria, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand. Their focus? The Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean, a region teeming with polymetallic nodules rich in critical minerals like cobalt and nickel.
The scientists dove deep—literally and figuratively—into data from test mining activities conducted by TMC in the CCZ, all approved by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Their goal? To define what “serious harm” looks like in the context of deep-sea mining. Up until now, the ISA has been working on a Mining Code aimed at preventing “serious harm” to the environment, but the term itself has lacked an operational definition. This research aims to change that.
The team considered a wide range of factors, from the immediate footprint of nodule extraction to the broader impacts of sediment plumes and chemical releases. They also took into account the life-history characteristics of the organisms in the area, such as larval settlement, immigration potential, growth rate, and generation time. The result? A traffic light system—green for minor impacts, orange for moderate, and red for major, irreversible damage. This system is designed to help regulators know when to change or halt mining operations.
According to the researchers, serious harm would entail effects that cover a large amount of a habitat, are irreversible, or occur more than once per generation. It could also affect the ability of a population to replace lost individuals, lead to loss of species richness, substantial reduction in biomass, or local extinction of key species. In short, it’s a comprehensive approach that aims to ensure mining activities don’t tip the scales too far.
The operational definitions of serious harm will vary depending on the location and nature of the mining operations, but the researchers hope their work will facilitate the process of limit setting. They emphasize that limits shouldn’t be viewed as singular action points. Instead, as effects become more significant, management should increase accordingly. This could involve a sequence of warning levels that enable timely action to reduce disturbance rates.
Other key outcomes of the research include a full ecosystem model of the CCZ, a suite of environmental indicators to monitor changes in biodiversity and ecosystem health, and a risk-based management process that assumes full ecosystem loss unless proven otherwise. This precautionary approach is crucial, given the potential impacts of deep-sea mining.
So, what does this mean for the future of the sector? For one, it sets a precedent for responsible mining practices. By providing a clear, operational definition of serious harm, the researchers have given regulators a tool to make informed decisions. It also highlights the importance of a precautionary approach, ensuring that the potential impacts of mining are fully understood before operations commence.
Moreover, this framework could influence future developments in the sector. As more companies look to the deep sea for critical minerals, the need for robust environmental management frameworks will only grow. This research provides a blueprint for how that can be achieved, balancing the need for resource extraction with the imperative to protect fragile ecosystems.
In the words of the researchers, “This is not about stopping mining, but about doing it responsibly.” And in an industry where the stakes are high, that’s a message worth heeding.