Deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone poses a major threat to marine biodiversity and climate regulation. Key March 2025 current affairs update.

Deep-Sea Mining: A Rising Environmental Concern in March 2025

As countries race to meet the demand for metals like cobalt and nickel—critical for electric car batteries, smartphones, and renewable energy—deep-sea mining is emerging as a major environmental issue. This practice, especially in regions like the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, threatens marine ecosystems we barely understand, particularly the fragile midwater zone.

This topic is important for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and MPPSC exams, as it intersects environmental issues, science & tech, and international governance—frequent areas in competitive exam news.

What is Deep-Sea Mining?

Deep-sea mining involves extracting polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor. These potato-sized lumps contain nickel, cobalt, and manganese, essential for modern technologies. Mining companies are targeting areas like the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean, a region rich in such nodules.

However, these nodules take millions of years to form and are crucial habitats for many marine organisms. Disturbing them poses serious ecological risks.

The Midwater Zone: Earth's Hidden Ecosystem

The midwater zone—starting 200 meters below sea level—includes the twilight and midnight zones. It hosts glowing creatures like jellyfish, siphonophores, and tiny drifting animals called zooplankton, which form the base of the oceanic food web.

Commercial fish like tuna and even whales depend on these creatures.

The zone also plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping regulate Earth’s climate.

Environmental Risks of Deep-Sea Mining

1. Sediment Plumes

Mining vehicles stir up fine sediments, which:

Clog fish gills

Interfere with filter feeders

Reduce light for bioluminescent creatures

Cause stress in jellyfish and siphonophores

2. Habitat Destruction

Seafloor creatures lose their homes.

Many of these species are new to science—a 2023 study found 88–92% of CCZ species are yet to be classified.

3. Noise Pollution

Heavy machinery can disrupt:

Navigation

Communication among marine species

4. Impact on Climate Regulation

Zooplankton help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Disrupting them could accelerate climate change.

Timeline & Global Governance

International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulates seabed mining under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In 2022, the first integrated mining system was tested.

Full-scale mining applications are expected by June 27, 2025, and ISA meets in July 2025 to finalize mining regulations.

Key Facts to Remember

Clarion-Clipperton Zone: Largest known deposit of polymetallic nodules.

Midwater Zone begins at 200 meters below sea level.

88–92% of CCZ species are undiscovered.

Mining discharge plumes can travel far and affect wide ecosystems.

Zooplankton play a role in the global carbon cycle.

Why This Matters for Exams

This topic is highly relevant for:

UPSC GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology)

MPPSC & State PSCs – Science & Tech, Environmental Governance

Banking Exams & SSC – Current Affairs and General Awareness sections

It highlights the conflict between sustainable development and resource exploitation, a recurring theme in national and international exams. Make sure to revise related topics like UNCLOS, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.