Deep-Sea Mining Tests Reduce Marine Life in Affected Areas, Study Finds

A new scientific study reports that deep-sea mining test operations can significantly reduce marine life. Researchers found that in directly disturbed areas, the number of seabed animals fell by more than half. The study examined a 2020 test in the Pacific Ocean's Clarion-Clipperton Zone. This region contains valuable metals needed for batteries in green technologies like electric cars. Scientists observed the site one year after the test. They discovered a 55% drop in sea creatures in the disturbed tracks. Even animals in the surrounding sediment, up to several hundred meters away, declined by 33%. These findings fuel an ongoing global debate. Governments and companies must balance the demand for critical minerals against the potential harm to unexplored deep-sea ecosystems. The International Seabed Authority is currently developing regulations for this emerging industry.