The Race Is On to Mine the Deep Ocean


PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN CANCALOSI, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

The Race Is On to Mine the Deep Sea—But Scientists Are Wary

Jon Letman, Author

Along the ocean floor, polymetallic nodules lay, having a high competition between countries and companies for mining. However, polymetallic nodules provide habitat for many species, so if the nodules are mined, then the habitat for the species are gone. Because scientists do not know everything that is going on in the ocean floor, they are wary of mining because mining can damage the environment.

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