Study examines ecological impacts of deep-sea mining

Germany’s GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel led a study investigating the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, focusing on polymetallic nodules at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters. The independent MiningImpact project monitored test operations of a nodule collector vehicle in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The study revealed sediment plumes generated by mining activities could reach up to 4.5 kilometers away, resulting in significant ecological changes. Researchers aim to inform regulations by the International Seabed Authority regarding the monitoring of future deep-sea mining operations.