Tiefseebergbau: Risk for ecosystems or keys to the energy transition?

Tiefseebergbau: Risk for ecosystems or keys to the energy transition?

In the current debate about deep -sea mountain construction, the focus is on not only the search for valuable raw materials, but also the urgent need to take into account ecological issues. Manganks that arise over millions of years and recover the potential to deliver metals such as manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel are often described as "batteries in a stone". These raw materials could be used in particular in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. However, the potential ecological consequences of these mining activities should not be underestimated.

ecological risks of deep sea degradation

The concern about the effects of deep sea degradation on the sensitive ecosystems is great. Experts, including the marine biologist Diva Amon, warn of serious dangers. It emphasizes that a large part of the habitat on the sea floor is considerably threatened by sediment clouds and the associated noise. The ecological damage could be so massive that they have to recover through geological periods, which means that regeneration of the habitat will take a long time.

scientific knowledge and technological developments

Research on manganese nollen is complex because the deep sea - the largest and least researched ecosystem on earth - still has many secrets. A study from 2023 estimates that around 5,580 animal species live in the Clarion Clipperton zone, with 90 percent of them still notorous. This makes it clear that the protection of these unique habitats is decisive. In addition, it was recently found in a further publication that manganese nodes are able to generate oxygen, which underlines its importance in the marine ecosystem

Alternative approaches to use of resources

Experts like Victor Vescovo argue that deep -sea mining may even be counterproductive for the energy transition. The progress in battery technology, in particular the development of lithium iron phosphate accumulators, reduces the need for the metals contained in manganese nubs. In addition, it is pointed out that the actual costs and risks of deep sea degradation are often underestimated, which questions its economy.

request for a change of management at Isa

In this context, a change of management at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is required. Greenpeace and other organizations take a position and emphasize that ISA should better react to the need to protect the biodiversity of the deep sea. Greenpeace Sea expert Daniela Herrmann calls for a new management and the introduction of basic regulations for the protection of the sea environment in order to meet the challenges of deep-sea mining. Trust in the current management of ISA is questioned, since there is a lack of a clear focus to protect the marine ecosystems.

The discussion about deep -sea mountain construction remains not only a technical, but above all an ethical topic that will have far -reaching implications for the environment and future generations.

- Nag