Up First from NPR Mining's New Frontier
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Nov 17, 2024 
Willem Marks, a UK-based investigative journalist specializing in deep-sea mining, shares fascinating insights from the underwater realm. The conversation dives into the emerging practice of deep-sea mining and its potential impact on green energy. Marks recounts his firsthand experience with a mining operation in Papua New Guinea, highlighting the advanced technology at play and the environmental challenges it faces. He also reveals the tensions between local communities and mining companies, who often overlook the concerns of residents dependent on the sea.
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Witnessing Deep-Sea Mining
- Willem Marks witnessed a deep-sea mining operation in Papua New Guinea.
- He observed a giant claw retrieving rocks from the ocean floor, noticing some material falling out during the ascent.
Gaining Access
- Willem Marks's access to the mining vessel arose from prior reporting on the Titan submersible.
- This led to a contact who revealed involvement in deep-sea mining, offering Marks an opportunity to observe the operation.
Onboard Operations
- The mining vessel, equipped with heavy machinery and remotely operated vehicles, extracts chunks of seabed.
- These chunks are analyzed for metal concentration, providing insights into potential larger-scale mining.