Mining the deep ocean

Policymakers are debating whether to allow deep-sea mining as demand for critical minerals like lithium and copper could grow dramatically by 2040 to support the global shift to clean energy. Companies and countries are testing massive underwater machines to harvest mineral-rich nodules from the ocean floor, arguing this could provide needed resources while avoiding the environmental damage of new land-based mines. However, over 40 countries and conservation groups want a ban until more is known about deep-sea ecological impacts, while scientists study potential long-term damage to largely unknown ocean ecosystems.