Lead institution:
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel – Germany
MiningImpact assesses the environmental impacts of deep-seabed mining and makes recommendations for national and international regulations (e.g. Mining Code of the International Seabed Authority).
In an interdisciplinary approach it investigates the spatial and temporal variability in polymetallic nodule habitats of the Pacific Ocean (Clarion-Clipperton Zone and Peru Basin), aims at improving the understanding of benthic and pelagic ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, community structures and species connectivity.
In seafloor massive sulphide environments of the Arctic and mid-ocean ridges of the Atlantic Ocean, inactive vent ecosystems and their connectivity to active hydrothermal vents are studied.
The effects of mining-induced ecotoxicity, habitat removal, suspended sediment plumes and the resilience of the ecosystem to it are studied.
The work is complemented by addressing legal issues related to ocean governance, and the social and ethical impacts of deep-seabed mining.
Start Date:1/7/2025
End Date: 30/6/2029
Lead Contact: Matthias Haeckel (mhaeckel@geomar.de)