As the world grapples with the urgent need for cleaner energy sources amid the looming threat of climate change, the race for deep-sea mineral deposits has intensified, sparking a complex web of geopolitical maneuvering and environmental concerns.
Renowned English economist and political scientist, Robert Thomas, shared his insights with Ednews, shedding light on the significance of sea mines in the global landscape. Thomas emphasized the vast potential of minerals lying thousands of meters beneath the ocean's surface, essential for powering the clean energy transition and driving technological advancements in military equipment and weaponry.
The demand for deep-sea mines has led to fierce competition among major powers and emerging economies, with countries such as China, India, and Russia vying for control over coveted mineral-rich regions. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean and the Mid-Atlantic ridge have emerged as hotspots for exploration, drawing attention from private companies and government agencies alike.
The surge in interest can be attributed to the escalating demand for minerals critical to clean energy technologies. Electric vehicles, offshore wind turbines, and energy storage batteries require significant quantities of metals and minerals, driving the need for expanded mining operations. However, concerns about the environmental impact of deep-sea mining have sparked debates among policymakers and environmentalists.
China, in particular, has emerged as a dominant player in the global minerals market, leveraging its control over refined natural graphite, cobalt, lithium, and manganese. The country's aggressive pursuit of mining licenses and its tight grip on processing technologies have raised geopolitical tensions and sparked calls for strategic measures to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.
Amidst the geopolitical maneuvering, calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining have emerged, with several countries urging further research into its potential ecological ramifications. However, deep-sea mining companies, driven by profit motives, continue to lobby governments to open up new frontiers for mineral extraction, further intensifying global competition and geopolitical tensions.
As nations navigate the complexities of deep-sea mining, the stakes remain high, with implications extending far beyond energy security to encompass geopolitical influence, environmental sustainability, and the future of global supply chains.
Khayal Ramiz
