When you think of the deep ocean, what comes to mind?
Silence. Darkness. A wonderous realm containing millions of years of evolutionary history.
Some are rushing to bring industrial-scale mining into that world, to dig up metals that they want for electric vehicles, renewables and energy grids. They claim it is necessary, inevitable, and there is no time to lose in getting to them. But science says otherwise.
Industry narratives are full of myths: cherry-picking, false comparisons, and skewed framing. Believing them without question risks rushing decisions that could destroy unknown ecosystems, and harm the planet for generations.
Key facts should frame the debate about the deep-sea – not the prospect of lining the pockets of the mining industry.
Let’s examine the key facts that need to shape this debate, what the evidence actually shows, and the industry myths to be on the look out for.
Download our five-part ‘Deep-sea mining facts’ series below:
- Fact 1: The impacts would be large-scale and irreversible.
- Fact 2: It is a false solution to the green transition.
- Fact 3: It adds to geopolitical stress.
- Fact 4: There is a troubling governance gap.
- Fact 5: It is a high-risk economic gamble.
Get more information about Seas At Risk’s work on preventing deep-sea mining here.
Posted on: 24 February 2026
