A controversial study claimed that deep-sea polymetallic nodules generate oxygen without sunlight. At Seabed Minerals 2026, an environmental researcher will challenge the finding, pointing to thermodynamic constraints and experimental artefacts.
Dyphavsmineraler
For the first time, researchers have produced pure copper metal from Norwegian deep-sea massive sulfides. This historic achievement will be presented at the Seabed Minerals 2026 conference in March.
At Seabed Minerals 2026, Professor Markus Bertau of TU Bergakademie Freiberg will present an economic assessment of new hydrometallurgical processing routes for deep-sea minerals that could enable low-emission, zero-solid-waste metal production.
At Seabed Minerals 2026, Hannah Grant (BGS) will present findings from the SMARTEX project, showing how experimental manganese nodule mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone continues to affect sediments — yet many biological communities are re-emerging.
The national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency within the US Department of Commerce, recently updated regulations regarding seabed mineral exploration and commercial recovery. The…
A Japanese test mission has lifted REE-rich mud from the seabed off Minami-Torishima, showing that such deep-sea deposits can be accessed. The samples will now be analyzed, and further trials are needed before commercial extraction can be considered.
On the one hand, countries with seabed mineral exploration licences must be seen as progressing towards harvesting, but at the same time, their own governments are pushing back against it, creating a complex standoff situation.
Annemiek Vink argues that technology plays a key role in reducing the environmental impact of seabed mineral extraction to the point where it is vital to include it in any debate about its future.
Biologist Annemiek Vink from German Research Institute BGR believes that seabed mining should be considered as an option given the circumstances we find ourselves in, adding a well-balanced view to a polarised debate.
Norge snublet på målstreken. Kun en uke etter at regjeringen stanset videre utvikling av havbunnsmineraler, viste EMINENT-prosjektet at Norge er i stand til å realisere en verdikjede fra leting til ferdig metallprodukt.