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seabed minerals
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- 1
USGS scientists have found that rock samples collected from the Escanaba Trough, a deep-sea hydrothermal area off the US West Coast, can pose a combustion hazard when handled on deck. Seafloor massive sulfide rocks, rich in metal sulfides, can heat or ignite when exposed to air, raising safety questions for research crews and for future seabed mining operations. The finding is drawing attention as interest in deep-sea mineral exploration grows.
- 2Indigenous Knowledge Overlooked in Seafloor Mining Push▼Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge Is Left Behind in the Rush to Mine the Seafloor
Advocacy group Earthworks is highlighting that Indigenous Peoples' knowledge and rights are being sidelined as countries and companies move to mine the deep seafloor for minerals. The group argues that decisions about seabed extraction are advancing without meaningful consultation of the Indigenous communities whose territories and waters are affected, adding to wider criticism of the emerging deep-sea mining industry.
- 3Massive Seabed Mining Project Proposed in Pacific Ocean▼Massive Seabed Mining Project Proposed in the Pacific Ocean
A large-scale seabed mining project has been proposed in the Pacific Ocean, drawing attention from ocean conservation groups such as the Surfrider Foundation. The proposal targets mineral-rich deep-sea areas, and environmental organisations are expected to push back over risks to fragile marine ecosystems. Details about the company, location and regulators involved remain limited so far.
- 4Alaska seabed mining seen as threat to ocean life and fisheries▼Alaska seabed mining: Threat to ocean life and fisheries
Concerns are being raised over proposed seabed mining off Alaska, with environmental groups warning the practice could damage ocean ecosystems and threaten the state's valuable fisheries. Critics argue disturbing the seafloor risks harming marine habitats and the communities that depend on fishing, and are calling for stronger protections before such projects move forward.
- 5Saskatchewan's potash traced to ancient ocean geology●The Ocean Beneath: 400 Million Years of Geology Behind Saskatchewan’s Potash Story
Nutrien has published a look at the deep geological history behind Saskatchewan's potash, explaining how an ancient ocean that existed roughly 400 million years ago left behind the mineral deposits the province mines today. The piece connects that prehistoric seabed to the modern industry that makes the region one of the world's leading potash producers.
- 6
The USGS has published a case study examining radon as a tracer for locating seabed mineral deposits. The research explores how measuring radon in seawater could help identify mineral-rich areas of the ocean floor, potentially aiding exploration for resources such as rare earth elements and other valuable metals increasingly sought after for energy technologies.