deep-sea mining

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the extraction of mineral resources from the ocean floor at depths typically exceeding two hundred metres, targeting polymetallic nodules rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel and copper, seafloor massive sulphides associated with hydrothermal vents, and cobalt-rich crusts on seamount flanks; considered commercially attractive as terrestrial deposits of critical minerals are depleted, but faces intense scientific and regulatory scrutiny over irreversible damage to poorly understood deep-sea ecosystems