Deep Seabed Mining
Deep seabed mining involves the extraction of valuable minerals and resources from the ocean floor, typically at depths greater than 200 meters. This process targets materials like manganese nodules, polymetallic sulfides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, which are essential for various industries, including electronics and renewable energy.
The mining process can have significant environmental impacts, disrupting marine ecosystems and habitats. As a result, international regulations, such as those set by the International Seabed Authority, aim to manage and protect the deep-sea environment while allowing for resource extraction.