The main aim of the Eco-Safe Ridge Mining project is to investigate the possibility of responsible development of seabed mineral mining on the Norwegian continental shelf.
The presence of seabed mineral deposits containing valuable metals on the Norwegian continental shelf generates much interest in their commercial exploitation. Acknowledging deep-sea mining as an emerging industry, the Norwegian government initiated an opening process but also determined that potential environmental impacts must be known before mineral extraction can begin. The deep sea is still poorly studied and may hold potential for many discoveries (e.g., discoveries of new species and compounds of biotechnological interest). Limited scientific knowledge of the marine ecosystems where mineral resources occur precludes an objective assessment of the risks involved with mining and effective protection of important ecosystems from harmful effects of mining-related activities. The Eco-Safe Ridge Mining research project aims to fill key knowledge gaps, assess environmental risks and identify appropriate mitigation actions regarding deep-sea mining. The project focuses on seafloor massive sulfides, found on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge associated with vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems such as active hydrothermal vents and sponge grounds, for which no protective measures are in place yet.
The project has the following secondary objectives:
- Conducting an environmental baseline of benthic ecosystems in potential mining sites.
- Quantifying the potential scale of impact of mining plumes on benthic communities.
- Assessing resilience and recovery potential of benthic communities disturbed by mining activities.
- Providing science-based recommendations for safe industrial practices, environmental management, and monitoring of future mining activities on Ridge areas under Norwegian jurisdiction.
Project structure
The project consists of seven Work Packages (WP). WP1-3 investigate critical knowledge gaps in relation to our fundamental understanding of the deep-sea ecosystem. WP4-6 conduct specific studies to understand potential risks and impacts from deep seabed mining on the Norwegian continental shelf. WP7 is dedicated to dissemination of the project’s results and communication with stakeholders and authorities.