Stop Deep Sea Mining

Our Deep Sea ecosystems are some of the most uncharted in the world. But before we get to fully understand them, we could lose them.

What is Deep Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining is a brand-new destructive industry on the precipice of starting, which would involve mining metals and minerals from the seabed. If allowed to start, this industry would damage the oceans beyond repair, possibly driving countless species to extinction.

Deep sea mining is the practice of removing metals and minerals from the ocean’s seabed. Thousands of metres under the sea, deposits of metals and minerals like manganese, nickel and cobalt have built up on the seafloor over millions of years.

To mine these metals, gigantic machines weighing more than a blue whale would scoop deposits from the deep ocean floor. They’d then pump the mined material up to a ship through several kilometres of tubing. Sand, seawater and other mineral waste would then be pumped back into the water.

Deep sea mining is a very new industry. Apart from a few small tests, no commercial mining has happened yet. But the companies involved are preparing to start full-scale production.

Illustration of a deep sea mining machine for the retrieval of minerals and deposits from the ocean floor found at depths of 200 metres up to 6,500 metres.
Kingston, Jamaica – The 28th Session of the International Seabed Authority starts on 16th March with world delegates gathering in Kingston, Jamaica less than two weeks after the Global Ocean Treaty was agreed at the United Nations. The meeting is a critical moment for the future of the oceans as deep sea mining companies are rushing the start of this risky industry.

This is how we stop Deep Sea Mining, together

Hold governments accountable for deep sea mining

The Australian government has a vital role to play. We need them to show leadership and join others in calling for a moratorium to stop deep sea mining.

Amplify Pasifika voices calling for a ban

We can use your gifts to work with our global Greenpeace network to amplify the voices of Pasifika people standing up against deep sea mining and show the potential harm to ecosystems, which they are the custodians of.

Life underwater would be irreversibly harmed by deep sea mining. With your support, we can ramp up pressure, hold governments to account and guarantee protection for our deep oceans.

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