It Seemed Like the Deep-Sea Mining Controversy Was Fading, but the Discovery of Black Oxygen Threatens to Reignite It

In recent years, experts and scientists have been warning about the potential impact of mining the deep sea. However, authorities haven’t established clear regulations yet. The recent discovery of so-called dark oxygen has sparked renewed interest in deep-sea mining.

What’s dark oxygen? Dark oxygen is an oxygen source that is produced without sunlight. It uses a process called radiolysis, which occurs when the natural radiation of certain minerals breaks down water molecules and releases oxygen. Interestingly, this process takes place in the deep sea.

Why is the industry interested in dark oxygen? In reality, the industry’s interest lies not so much in dark oxygen itself but in the minerals that produce it. Scientists recently discovered dark oxygen in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. This discovery is significant due to the presence of polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are essential for the production of batteries and renewable technologies.

What’s deep-sea mining? Deep-sea mining involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor. While this method is considered risky due to the extreme conditions of the seabed, it’s economically lucrative, especially because onshore deposits become depleted or are located in socially unsafe areas.

Why is deep-sea mining controversial? Scientists and environmental organizations have warned about the significant environmental impact of deep-sea mining. The ocean floor not only provides minerals but also serves as a carbon sink. Disruption of the ocean floor can release large amounts of greenhouse gases. Additionally, mineral extraction removes toxic sediments that affect the food chain and marine life.

The International Seabed Authority is responsible for regulating the exploitation of resources on the seabed. At a recent ISA meeting, 32 countries called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. The U.S. is the only major country that’s not part of the ISA because it never ratified the Law of the Sea treaty, which created the authority in 1994. However, some U.S. senators are pushing for the country to become part of the treaty.

For their part, Greenpeace and other NGOs are advocating for a complete ban on deep-sea mining.

What will happen? The ISA hasn’t yet established regulations for deep-sea mining, although studies are ongoing. Some countries have announced a postponement of their activities, while others, like China and Japan, are advancing in their explorations.

For now, the ISA has postponed the adoption of a mining code until 2025. Environmental organizations are urging for the protection of the oceans over commercial interests. The appointment of oceanographer and diplomat Leticia Carvalho as the new secretary general of the ISA has raised expectations for more conversation policies.

Deep-sea mining projects. Several countries are supporting and participating in deep-sea mining to access coveted mineral resources, including cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements. China is a major player. The Asian giant has already been awarded exploration contracts by the ISA, specifically in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a region rich in polymetallic nodules. In OceNauru has invested in companies in the same location to prepare the area.

For its part, Japan is studying how to exploit its own exclusive economic zone so as not to depend on imports. In Europe, Norway has also begun exploiting minerals in the deep sea, while environmental groups and scientists raise concerns. Finally, the Solwara 1 project is re-emerging in Papua New Guinea despite community opposition.

Image | Boris Busorgin

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