Deep-sea mining tests impact over a third of seabed animals - scientists

A recent study by scientists at the Natural History Museum, the UK National Oceanography Centre, and the University of Gothenburg found that deep-sea mining tests significantly impact seabed animal populations. Conducted in a remote area of the Pacific Ocean, the research compared biodiversity before and after test mining by The Metals Company. The study revealed a 37% reduction in the number of animals and a 32% decrease in species diversity in the tracks of the mining vehicles. Scientists examined animals between 0.3mm and 2cm in size, discovering over 4,000 creatures, many of which were new species. The research highlights the potential environmental damage caused by deep-sea mining, which is currently not permitted in international waters until further impact assessments are completed.

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