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Deep-sea mining could have wide-ranging, long-lasting, irreversible effects on marine ecosystems, with global impacts. If demand for critical minerals grows, pressures for large-scale DSM are likely to increase.
This Science Brief on Deep-sea Mining (DSM) covers an introduction to the technology, a discussion of recent developments, direct and indirect risks of mining on the seabed, and key considerations.
DSM involves extracting minerals from the ocean. These resources are critical for renewable energy technologies, fueling growing interest in commercial exploitation. However, DSM carries potential significant and largely irreversible environmental risks. Scientific evidence suggests DSM could cause biodiversity loss, disrupt marine ecosystems, and release toxins and sediment plumes.
The Board highlights five key considerations:
- Application of the precautionary principle in light of high uncertainty and irreversible risks.
- Development of a comprehensive scientific assessment of DSM’s impacts.
- Definition of environmental harm and preservation goals under international law.
- Evalutation of the necessity of DSM.
- Promotion of circular economy strategies to reduce reliance on new mineral extraction.
This new transition to more renewable forms of energy is increasing the demand for many critical minerals, which is in turn increasing the interest in the deep sea as a source of these minerals.
Additional Resources
Harmful Marine Extractives: Understanding the risks & impacts of financing non-renewable extractive industries - UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
Deep-sea Mining Issue Note - UNEP
ISA's Contribution to the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions - International Seabed Authority (ISA)
ISA Secretary-General Annual Report
A Pause or Moratorium for Deep Seabed Mining in the Area? The Legal Basis, Potential Pathways, and Possible Policy Implications - Singh et al., 2025
Undermining by Mining? Deep Seabed Mining in Light of International Marine Environmental Law - Singh and Jaekel, 2025
Challenges to the sustainability of deep-seabed mining - Levin, Amon, and Lily, 2020
Access the brief here.
Suggested citation: Deep-sea Mining : UNU-CPR, 2026.
