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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Karen McVeigh and Chris Michael

Future of deep-sea mining hangs in balance as opposition grows

A pilot vehicle – called a nodule collector – used in deep-sea exploration is lowered into the water in trials conducted by mining group TMC.
A pilot vehicle – called a nodule collector – used in deep-sea exploration is lowered into the water in trials conducted by mining group TMC. Photograph: Richard Baron/The Metals Company

The list of countries calling for a pause on deep-sea mining continued to grow this week ahead of a key moment that mining companies hope will launch the fledgling industry, and its opponents hope could clip its wings, perhaps for good.

Ireland and Sweden became the latest developed economies to join critics, including scientists, environmental organisations and multinationals such as BMW, Volvo and Samsung. The carmakers have committed not to use minerals mined from the seabed in their electric vehicles.

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