Coche que acelera el fin del mundo: la minería en aguas profundas.
Exploitation of underwater resources is one of the most relevant drivers of the economy, but it can also be a «self» This could end the world. However, what is considered a financial opportunity today could lead to accelerating climate change, causing irreparable damage. Deep-sea mining is related to the extraction of valuable metals and minerals from the ocean floor, usually at depths of over 200 meters.
The main objectives of Deep-sea mining cover polymetallic nodules (rich in manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper), table sulfur in the sea (formed near hydrothermal sources, deposits linking large amounts of copper, gold, zinc, and lead), and rich cobalt of nickel and platinum.
When mining projects are designed, the purpose is to obtain valuable resources to turn them into money. However, in case submarine mining The price to pay is very high. It can destroy the habitat; Generate sediment plumes, generate noise, light, and chemical pollution.
Furthermore, under normal conditions, deep-sea depths absorb accumulated heat and store a considerable amount of CO2 generated by human activity, contributing to reducing climate change. This type of mining endangers this process.
Norway could help advance the submarine mining machine
As reported by AFP, companies are interested in starting Deep-sea mining in front of Norway. They are trying to explore Marine Arctic Patents against Norway which could become the first European country to allow Deep-sea mining vehicles.
Some time ago, the Norwegian parliament voted in favor of Deep-sea mining. Experts believed there were significant resources for extraction, and companies with over 50 years of experience in offshore oil and gas had plans to work soon.
Everything seemed ready to start but, in December, The government of Norway Reversed its decision. It denied the first exploration licenses for 2025.
«Of course, it was a surprise and a disappointment … that a small part can take care of budget negotiations and manage to block something that the Parliament really wants,» pointed out Anette Broch Mathisen Tvedt, Director Manager of Start-Up Adopth as he told France24 with information from the designated agency.
Will Norway ultimately bet on deep-sea mining?
The day Norway allowed the coast to be exploited was a dark context for the environment. Therefore, the news of its cancellation was a sign of hope for them. However, Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store reiterated that it was just a delay.
The first licenses are expected to arrive by 2026 for both Greenland Sea and Norwegian Sea. This change of plans not only impacted environmental hopes but also influenced the activity of several industry players.
Loke Marine Minerals saw its future transformed into a global leader but had to declare bankruptcy. Following suit, Green Minerals had to cover 80% of its expenses.
«We are now more prepared than before for licenses to be granted on the Norwegian continental shelf. We will be here for many years,» said the CEO of Green Minerals, Oiving Dahl-Stamnes.
The debate on this «self» destruction is still open
Those in favor of «Self» submarine exploitation see this scenario as a new way to obtain the necessary minerals and metals for the transition to green energy and to limit dependency on China, the leader in these resources today.
Sea bed Estimated «substantial» resources in Albera, covering 38 million tons of copper, 45 million tons of zinc, and large volumes of rare earth minerals, according to an official analysis published in 2023. On the other hand, detractors of «Self» submarine exploitation continue to warn of its danger, which already affects thousands of new species.
