This week we’re covering the urgent deep sea mining campaign that hasn’t been getting the attention it needs to win (although yes, French actor Lucas Bravo from Emily In Paris did post an Instagram video that went viral). Here’s the context, with an action toolkit that has everything you need to get started on the #LookDown action. Share it generously!
The context
Did you know that ocean phytoplankton surpass trees in producing Earth’s oxygen? Lucas Bravo said it: 70% comes from the oceans; they are the largest ecosystem and our biggest ally in fighting climate change. Some scientists believe that phytoplankton levels have declined by 40% since 1950 due to the warming of the ocean. Additionally, in recent years, an interest in deep-sea mining has grown worldwide. Why is that? As mineral resources on land are depleting, mining companies are now trying to access minerals like cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel and more, from the bottom of the sea.
In June 2021, the island state Nauru and the Canadian mining company The Metals Company rushed negotiations by activating the “2 years trigger rule” at the International Seabed Authority (ISA). This means that mining licenses could be issued as early as July 2023, even if the regulations are not finalised within two years, and they’ll be allowed to go ahead with the mining. And the TMC isn’t the only one…..
Impacts of deep-sea mining
The impacts of deep-sea mining are numerous and multi-scale: from the loss of species and habitats to the chemical modification of ocean systems, the release of carbon in oceanic soils, and the disturbance of abyssal ecosystems due to sediment plumes and noise pollution. Scientists are concerned that deep-sea ecosystems will never recover from the impacts of mining.
The consensus? A moratorium on deep-sea mining is essential, given the lack of research and data on the deep ocean and the lack of transparency of the ISA.
Videos from TMC’s expedition leaked thanks to scientists on board the ship, who were employed by TMC to make their impact assessment. In an article published by Guardian, we can see TMC releasing vast quantities of mining waste (i.e. sediments polluted with heavy metals) at the surface of the ocean (their contract asks them to discharge them in the deep sea).
Because of the lack of scientific knowledge about the deep sea, as well as the lack of visibility on the irreversible impacts that its exploitation would have, scientists are calling on states to prevent deep seabed mining from happening through the implementation of a global moratorium.
What TMC and other mining companies aren’t telling you…
…is that we don’t even need deep sea mining. We have a choice that does not involve mining the seabed for a “green” transition. Many scientific studies have shown that battery technology (the main product that needs these minerals) is evolving with innovations that require close to no nickel and cobalt. WWF released a report in November 2022 that highlighted this: “Future mineral demand can be met without deep seabed mining as innovative technology can cut mineral use by 58%.” And let’s not forget the circular economy: so much e-waste contains previously extracted minerals that could easily be recycled (compared to extracting and processing new ones).
While France and some other countries have banned the exploitation of the sea’s resources, thanks to the relentless work from activities, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland are still fighting to protect the world’s ecosystem…
Take Action:
1. Register for #LookDown Action at the European Parliament
2. Flood the Belgian Minister’s post with pre-written comments. Cope paste these comments below the post (linked) to ask him to #LookDown to #StopDeepSeaMining
3. Make some noise on your platform
4. Follow and signal-boost #LookDown developments from Italy, Switzerland and Belgium.
5. If you have the time, read up on more resources and background here!
FEATURED IMAGE: via Pexels | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Photo of Kawah Ijen Volcano With Sulfur Mining In Indonesia