Environmental Issues of Deep-Sea Mining: Impacts, Consequences and Policy Perspectives

576 Pages·2019·24.62 MB·English

by  Rahul Sharma

Rahul Sharma
Editor
Environmental
Issues of
Deep-Sea Mining
Impacts, Consequences
and Policy Perspectives
Environmental Issues of Deep-Sea Mining
Rahul Sharma
Editor
Environmental Issues
of Deep-Sea Mining
Impacts, Consequences and Policy
Perspectives
Editor
Rahul Sharma
CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography
Dona Paula, Goa, India
ISBN 978-3-030-12695-7 ISBN 978-3-030-12696-4 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12696-4
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Cover Image: A schematic showing the processes involved in deep-sea mining for the three main types of
mineral deposits. (Left to Right: hydrothermal sulphides, polymetallic nodules, ferromanganese crusts - Not
to scale) (Adopted from: Kathryn A. Miller, Kirsten Thompson, Paul Johnston, David Santillo, 2018. An
Overview of Seabed Mining Including the Current State of Development, Environmental Impacts, and
Knowledge Gaps. Front. Mar. Sci., volume 4, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00418).
This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG
The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
Below: Seabed photographs of benthic organisms associated with deep-sea
minerals in different oceans:
Image of the seafloor in the abyssal Pacific showing manganese nodules and large deep-water
prawn (Bathystylodactylus sp.). Image shows an area of seafloor approximately 50cm across.
(Credit: Image courtesy Dr Daniel Jones, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)
Typical area of rocky seabed away from the ridge axis with the crinoid Anachalypsicrinus nefertiti
and some large sponges. Mid Atlantic Ridge, depth c. 2400m. (Credit: Image courtesy Dr Daniel
Jones, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. ECOMAR Project)
Abundant Chrysomallon squamiferum and Gigantopelta aegis, with Kiwa n. sp. “SWIR”,
Bathymodiolus marisindicus, and Mirocaris fortunata on platform of “Tiamat” vent chimney,
Southwest Indian Ridge, depth 2778m (Credit: Image courtesy NERC University of Southampton,
SWIR_2011-11-27_10-24-08_James Cook_JC67_2_ROV01)
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Foreword
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Foreword
ix
Preface
Deep-sea mining is currently in a transitional phase between exploration and exploita-
tion of deep-sea mineral deposits that are projected as alternative source of metals to
depleting land resources in future. On one hand, long-term prospecting and resource
evaluation has led to the identification of potential mining areas on the deep seafloor.
On the other, the development of mining and processing technology is gaining
momentum, with a few entities planning their sea trials in the near future. However,
the commencement of mining of deep-sea minerals on a commercial scale depends on
metal prices and their availability in the world market.
In view of the concerns over potential disturbances in the marine environment
due to various offshore and onshore activities, the world community is focusing its
attention to the environmental issues of deep-sea mining. This is more so because
many of the deep-sea minerals occur in the “Area”, that is, areas that lie in interna-
tional waters beyond the national jurisdiction of any state. As the mining operations
could be expected to commence in the coming decades, pertinent questions that
need to be answered include what are the possible environmental impacts, who is
responsible for it, how do we regulate the activities in this area, what if the con-
cerned party does not (or cannot) do anything about it, what are the mitigation
measures, and how do we restore or conserve the marine environment.
This book brings forth various issues with contributions from leading experts
under different themes such as the environmental issues of deep-sea mining, its
potential impacts, environmental data standardization and applications, environ-
mental management, and economic considerations. The contributions from all the
authors are highly acknowledged with a hope that this book will serve as a com-
prehensive reference material for addressing various environmental issues of
deep-sea mining.
As deep-sea mining is an activity of the future, with increasing environmental
awareness, it is incumbent on all stakeholders, including the potential contractors,
the sponsoring states, the international regulating agencies, and the environmental
groups, to devise strategies for economically and environmentally sustainable
deep- sea mining ventures to meet the future demand for metals in the world and
preserve the marine environment within acceptable limits.
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It is important to realize that just as it is our responsibility to give a healthy
environment to the next generation, it is equally incumbent on us to ensure the
availability of adequate resources for their future.
Dona Paula, Goa, India Rahul Sharma
Acknowledgments
This book on Environmental issues of Deep-Sea Mining – Impacts, Consequences
and Policy Perspectives is a sequel to Deep-Sea Mining – Resource Potential,
Technical and Environmental Considerations published by Springer in 2017. Both
the publications have been possible due to the confidence entrusted by the publish-
ers in the topics addressed in these books. I acknowledge the support extended by
them in this endeavor, in particular Dr. Sherestha Saini, Mr. Aaron Schiller, and Ms.
Susan Westendorf from the Springer New York Office, as well as the staff of SPi
Global, particularly Ms. M. K. Chandhini and Ms. S. Kanimozhi for production of
the book.
All the authors of the chapters deserve a special mention for their outstanding
contributions, despite having multiple commitments, that has made this publication
possible. Each chapter is unique in its content, and the ideas presented give the book
a broad perspective. This shows the rich expertise that the authors have and their
willingness to share the same is highly appreciated.
The Foreword by Mr. Michael Lodge, Secretary General, International Seabed
Authority, Jamaica, gives a comprehensive overview of the issues related to the
subject of deep-sea mining and environment and sets the tone for this book. Also the
Foreword by Prof. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (Government
of India), New Delhi, provides a way forward in the field of deep-sea mining and
environmental conservation. The encouragement and support received from Mr.
Lodge and Prof. Rajeevan are sincerely acknowledged.
This book is the result of a suggestion from Dr. T. R. P. Singh, Ex-General
Manager, Engineers India Limited, New Delhi, to bring together a large volume of
information on the subject in one place, including the experimental data, regula-
tions, and management of deep-sea mining from an environmental perspective.
Discussions with officials of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India,
as well as the inputs of Prof. PK Sen, IIT Kharagpur, were very helpful during this
project and in writing my chapters.
CSIR-National Institute, Goa, where I have worked for almost 36 years, holds a
very special place in shaping my career and developing my understanding of the
subject that led me to take up the challenge of putting this book together.
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