Marketplace Tech Companies are betting on deep sea mining for critical minerals
Jun 10, 2025
Explore the booming interest in deep-sea mining as a vital source of critical minerals essential for a future powered by technology. Discover how companies are using innovative remote-controlled vehicles to extract resources from the ocean floor, facing daunting challenges in this harsh environment. Dive into the regulatory complexities that accompany this burgeoning industry, including U.S. initiatives and international regulations. As demand surges, the economic implications and environmental concerns surrounding deep-sea mining are more important than ever.
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Vast Value in Ocean Minerals
- The International Energy Agency predicts critical minerals' market value could hit $800 billion by 2040.
- Deep-sea polymetallic nodules hold more nickel, cobalt, and manganese than all land reserves combined.
Vacuuming the Ocean Floor
- Deep sea mining uses a school bus-sized remote-controlled vacuum to collect nodules from the seabed.
- The collected nodules are pumped up through a miles-long pipe to a ship on the surface.
U.S. Challenges Global Mining Authority
- The U.S. is the only major economy outside the International Seabed Authority and may issue deep sea mining permits independently.
- This challenges the global regulatory framework and complicates international cooperation on mining rules.