Setting the standard: Science helps deep-sea mining decision-makers assess environmental risks and viability
As deep-sea mining gains momentum, scientists are playing a key role with rigorous, independent advice to ensure that if mining activities do occur it can be approached with extreme caution and care for the marine environment. Recent scientific assessments aim to clarify the environmental risks, offering data-driven insights to inform policy.
A research consortium led by CSIRO has developed a comprehensive set of tools and frameworks designed to support environmental decision-making around potential deep-sea mining activities.
While the findings don’t advocate for mining, they highlight the role of rigorous research in guiding decisions that balance sustainability, responsibility, and long-term impact.
The release of this body of work, which includes eight reports now publicly available, marks a major milestone in scientific efforts to manage and protect deep sea ecosystems should deep-sea mining be approved by the International Seabed Authority.