The global push to secure critical minerals is driving renewed interest in deep-sea mining, a frontier industry that could reshape supply chains for rare earth elements, cobalt, nickel and other metals essential to clean energy and defense technologies.
Proponents argue that underwater mineral deposits—particularly in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean—contain vast quantities of polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese and rare earths. These resources are seen as vital for the production of electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and advanced electronics. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), which regulates deep-sea mining under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, has issued 31 exploration contracts covering over 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean floor, with commercial mining expected to begin as early as 2026 pending regulatory approval.
Environmental groups and some governments have raised concerns over the ecological impact of deep-sea mining, citing risks to deep-sea ecosystems, biodiversity loss and potential disruption of carbon-sequestering sediments. The European Parliament has called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until further scientific research is conducted, while countries including France and Germany have signaled caution. Meanwhile, the ISA is finalizing exploitation regulations, with a draft expected by July 2025.
Corporate interest is growing, with companies such as Norway’s Loke Marine Minerals and Canada’s The Metals Company securing exploration rights and advancing pilot projects. The Metals Company recently announced plans to conduct a pilot mining test in the Pacific later this year, aiming to extract up to 3,600 tons of polymetallic nodules. Analysts at Goldman Sachs estimate that deep-sea mining could supply up to 10% of global cobalt and nickel demand by 2030, though the sector remains in its infancy and faces significant technical, regulatory and environmental hurdles.
The geopolitical dimension adds another layer of complexity. China, which holds the largest number of exploration contracts from the ISA, has invested heavily in deep-sea mining research and technology. The U.S., which is not a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, is exploring alternatives, including partnerships with Pacific Island nations to access mineral-rich seabeds. Meanwhile, the European Union has included deep-sea mining in its Critical Raw Materials Act, aiming to reduce reliance on imports from China and other high-risk jurisdictions.
Supply chain analysts warn that while deep-sea mining could alleviate shortages, the timeline for commercial-scale production remains uncertain. Regulatory clarity, technological advancements and environmental safeguards will determine whether the sector can scale sustainably. For now, deep-sea mining remains a high-risk, high-reward proposition at the intersection of resource security and environmental stewardship.
