Deep-sea mining for rare metals will destroy ecosystems, say scientists

Businesses want to trawl for nickel, manganese and cobalt to build electric cars and windfarmsAn investigation by conservationists has found evidence thatdeep-seabed mining of rare minerals could cause “extensive and irreversible” damage to the planet.The report, to be published on Monday by the international wildlife charityFauna& Flora, adds to the growing controversy that surrounds proposals to sweep the ocean floor of rare minerals that include cobalt, manganese and nickel. Mining companies want to exploit these deposits – which are crucial to the alternative energy sector – because land supplies are running low, they say.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Mining Oceans Biology Environment Science Source Type: news