Global Sea Mineral Resources
GSR
Climate change, population growth, urbanization and clean energy.
ID: 997013350691-48
Lobbying Activity
Response to The European Oceans Pact
17 Feb 2025
GSR appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the EU's forthcoming united vision for an ocean's pact. As global resource competition intensifies, a strategic approach to the marine environment is crucial. While the strategy will cover various areas, we emphasize the potential for sourcing Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) from the oceans. The decarbonization of global economies is expected to significantly increase demand for CRMs, leading to potential shortages and price volatility. The EU must explore all responsible sourcing avenues, including deep-sea mining, which could provide essential minerals while avoiding some of the environmental and social impacts associated with land mining. We face a sustainability paradox: the need for metals to combat climate change and transition to low-carbon energy infrastructure means there is a need for further mineral extraction from our planet. As easy-to-access terrestrial deposits deplete, responsible sourcing of these minerals becomes challenging. Options include developing new land-based mines in sensitive areas or exploring deep-sea mineral extraction. Polymetallic nodules, rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper, offer a multi-metal resource equivalent to 2-3 land-based mines, with less waste and lower CO2 emissions than land-based counterparts. Moreover, deep-sea mining avoids deforestation, including rainforests, and the relocation of people. Research is ongoing to determine if polymetallic nodules can be a responsible source of critical minerals, potentially reducing pressure on terrestrial ecosystems while diversifying supplies. Deep-sea mining could provide an abundance of CRMs such as cobalt and nickel, with estimates suggesting up to 3-5 times the amount found in known land deposits (according to peer-reviewed literature). GSR, with 14 years of research, has developed an expertise in responsible raw material extraction. We urge the Commission to follow evidence-based decision-making and support the development of sound deep sea mining to complement land-based mining. While more research is needed, regulators must provide a clear framework outlining the remaining scientific gaps that must be filled in order to avoid the lack of knowledge being used to unreasonably push back European efforts on the subject., without which the goal post will keep shifting without a clear understanding of what scientific evidence is required. GSR is committed to understanding and minimizing the environmental impact of deep-sea mining, including research on dark oxygen and carbon sequestration. This work is ongoing, and we are looking forward to working with EU policymakers to develop an understanding of what would constitute responsible deep-sea mining that is compatible with European standards. With the International Seabed Authority finalizing deep-sea mining regulations this year, countries like China will soon exploit these resources. The EU must position itself to benefit from this untapped potential, ensuring it is not left behind in the global race for CRMs. These minerals can contribute to the EUs resilience objectives, while driving the growth of EU industries. Given the potential benefit of these CRMs for the EU, it is critical that the EU integrates a concrete approach to deep sea minerals in its oceans pact strategy. For more information, visit the Polymetallic Nodule Research Alliance website at https://noduleresearch.com.
Read full responseMeeting with Andrea Wechsler (Member of the European Parliament)
29 Jan 2025 · EU Environment Policy
Meeting with Wouter Beke (Member of the European Parliament)
22 Jul 2024 · Critical raw materials
Meeting with Hildegard Bentele (Member of the European Parliament) and Rud Pedersen Public Affairs Brussels
25 Jan 2024 · Online exchange about seabed exploration