Scientists warn against unthinkable deep sea mining plans that will destroy ocean: No recovery

The world’s oceans are on the brink of a major disaster if controversial plans to start deep sea mining in international waters go ahead as early as next year, an expert has warned.Dr.Sandor Mulsow, a Chilean professor of marine geology, argues the risky practice could have disastrous impacts on the environment and future generations, arguing more time and research is urgently needed.“We are very worried about the activities of deep sea mining in the areas beyond national jurisdiction,” Mulsow told news.com.au.“As with landmines, it will destroy (the site where you mine) so in this case, the deep sea.”Deep sea mining, which is still in its experimental stage, is the process of retrieving valuable mineral deposits, such as copper, nickel, zinc and rare earth elements, from the seabed at depths greater than 200 metres.Mining companies are interested in getting stuck into a large mineral-rich plain of international waters between Hawaii and Mexico, known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ).According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, international waters do not belong to any single country, but rather are considered the “common heritage of mankind”.At this stage, 17 deep-sea mining contractors hold exploration contracts in the CCZ, which spans more than three million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean — equivalent to the size of India.Mining activity could begin as early as next year, with member states of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) -the U.N.

affiliated regulator of deep-sea mining activities – aiming to finalise regulations for deep-sea mining by July 2025.“People want to only make money … like the mining company and an investor who thinks there be a huge return on it,” Mulsow warned.“(But) it’s an unthinkable and unsoundly decision for the whole world.”Research shows deep-sea mining would have a destructive impact on ecosystems and biodiversity in the ocean, which is home to more life than anywh...