By Ajibola Adedoye
Deep Seabed Mining which is the act of extraction of minerals and resources from the ocean floor, takes various procedures. These includes:
Exploration: This initial phase includes geological surveys and mapping of the seabed to identify areas rich in mineral resources such as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Before any mining activities commence, an EIA is conducted to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed mining operations. This assessment is crucial for understanding how the mining will affect marine ecosystems.
Mining Operations: The actual extraction process typically involves the use of specialized equipment such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect mineral
Deep seabed mining (DSM) can have several negative impacts on the marine environment and ecosystems. Here are some of the key concerns:
Biodiversity Loss: The deep sea is home to unique and often undiscovered species. Mining activities can lead to habitat destruction, which may result in the loss of biodiversity and extinction of species that are not found anywhere else.
Sediment Plume Formation: Mining operations disturb the seabed, creating sediment plumes that can smother marine life, block sunlight, and disrupt feeding and breeding grounds for various organisms.
Chemical Pollution: The extraction process can release toxic substances and heavy metals into the water column, which can accumulate in marine organisms and enter the food chain, posing risks to both marine life and human health.
Disruption of Ecosystems: The removal of minerals and alteration of the seabed can disrupt the delicate balance of deep-sea ecosystems, affecting food webs and the overall health of marine environments.
Noise Pollution: The machinery used in deep seabed mining generates significant noise, which can interfere with the communication and navigation of marine species, particularly those that rely on sound, such as whales and dolphins.
Long-term Environmental Impact: The effects of deep seabed mining may not be immediately apparent and can persist for decades or even centuries, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.
Regulatory Challenges: The deep sea is often beyond national jurisdiction, leading to challenges in governance and enforcement of environmental protections, which can result in inadequate oversight of mining activities.
These impacts highlight the need for careful consideration and regulation of deep seabed mining activities to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable practices.
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