Deep-Sea Mining 101: Everything You Need to Know

Deep-Sea Mining 101: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Key Facts

• The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the surface of the planet.
• The deep sea makes up 90 percent of the total marine environment and is the largest biome on Earth.
• More than 5,000 marine species live in the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a focus area of deep-sea mining.
• Several countries — including Canada, France and New Zealand — have called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
• Deep-sea mining is not necessary to obtain the critical minerals needed for the renewable energy transition.
• Demand for critical minerals can be reduced by 58 percent by 2050 through the use of new technologies, circular economy strategies and increased recycling.
• 90% of electronic waste is dumped or illegally traded.