What Do The Experts Say?

Support

Supporters of sea floor mining argue that the materials collected are essential for technological progression and without deep sea floor mining, there are few other sources rich in metals. Aside from the expected benefit from collected material, there is also the eceonomic opportunity that comes with it. For developing nations, this provides the perfect chance for growth and expansion as investements are made, partnerships are created, and profits start rolling in (Arthur D. Little, 2023). Despite environmental concerns, there are some marine biologists, such as Gregory S. Stone that advocate for deep sea floor mining in the hopes that we can meet the demand for materials that are critical in creating clean energy technology and renewable energy sources. Stone emphasizes the importance of minimizing the harmful effects of deep sea floor mining and his goal is to pursue eco-friendly ways of gathering the materials that will help the world be more sustainable in the long run. (Strone, G.S., & Hein, J.R., 2021).

Opposition

For those that oppose the push for deep sea floor mining, their main concern is the impacts it has on marine ecosystems. From Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, extinguished marine biologist Cindy Van Dover concludes that "there's no way to know what the impact will be." Coming from someone who has worked with companies racing to reach the sea floor, she has helped conduct studies prior to their deep sea explorations and even she is still unsure of the extent of harm that mining can cause.(Van Dover, C.L., 2011). Due to uncertainty, many experts are convinced that the benefits do not outweigh the environmental damage. Another argument against sea floor mining is how expensive it can be. Although there are important figures advocating for it, there is suspicion about their true intentions. For example, concerns are rising in Papua New Guinea where the government holds a 15% stake in mining projects, which could be why they are advocating for it so much. Not only would they be lacking the expertise to advise such a project, but their drive for a profit would also cloud their judgement. (Gramling, C., 2014)