Daniel Ackerman
Marketplace contributor and deep-sea mining reporter who writes the Seabed Spotlight newsletter and provides expertise on ocean mining, its technology, legal and environmental implications.
Best podcasts with Daniel Ackerman
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Dec 9, 2025 • 18min
Deep-sea mining: The next frontier for critical minerals
In this intriguing discussion, Daniel Ackerman, a deep-sea mining reporter and creator of the Seabed Spotlight newsletter, unpacks the allure of the ocean floor as companies seek rare-earth minerals. He explains how polymetallic nodules, rich in metals, form over millions of years. Daniel also examines the technological, legal, and environmental controversies surrounding mining in international waters, as well as the geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China. Tune in for insights into the future of this controversial frontier!
Dec 9, 2025 • 18min
Deep-sea mining: The next frontier for critical minerals
Dan Ackerman, a Marketplace contributor and ocean mining expert, dives into the intriguing world of deep-sea mining. He explains how rare-earth elements crucial for our tech lie on the ocean floor, forming in unique conditions over millions of years. Ackerman discusses why this potential goldmine hasn't been tapped yet, covering economic challenges, technology gaps, and ethical concerns. He highlights a growing international race, especially between the U.S. and China, while also shedding light on the environmental risks of disturbing these unexplored ecosystems.
