What's Happening?
A new digital tool has been launched to track deep-sea mining activities, providing real-time data on exploratory operations. Developed by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory and Global Fishing Watch,
the tool aims to increase transparency and inform stakeholders about the overlap between mining and other ocean activities. This initiative comes as countries debate the environmental impacts of mining deep-sea reserves of critical minerals like cobalt and copper.
Why It's Important?
Deep-sea mining has the potential to supply critical minerals essential for technology and energy sectors, but it poses significant environmental risks. The new tracking tool offers a way to monitor these activities and their impact on marine ecosystems. It supports informed decision-making by governments, industries, and environmental groups. As interest in seabed mining grows, transparency and data accessibility are crucial for balancing economic interests with environmental protection.
