Yves here. We linked to reports of the discovery of so-called black oxygen, but we did not realize that this discovery might argue against limiting deep-sea mining.
By Felicity Bradstock, a freelance writer specializing in energy and finance. Originally published at OilPrice
- Potato-shaped metal nodules sinking beneath the Pacific Ocean are producing oxygen in complete darkness, challenging previous theories about oxygen production.
- The discovery of “dark oxygen” raises questions about the origin of life on Earth and the potential impact of deep-sea mining on marine life.
- The International Seabed Authority is under pressure to improve mining laws that protect the ocean and marine life as more countries and companies express interest in deep-sea mining.
The discovery of “black oxygen”, oxygen produced deep under the ocean, shines a light on the potential dangers of deep-sea mining for metals and minerals. There has already been a lot of debate about plans to license deep-sea mining activities at the international level, to meet the growing demand for precious minerals, and recent findings show how little we know about the marine environment.
An international team of researchers recently discovered that oxygen is made from potato-shaped metal nodules deep in the Pacific Ocean. In July, their findings, which challenge the concepts of oxygen production, were published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The discovery could lead to a rethinking of the origins of complex life on Earth.
The findings of a research team led by Professor Andrew Sweetman at the UK’s Scottish Association for Marine Science, show that oxygen is produced about 4,000 meters below the sea in complete darkness. This contradicts previous scientific thinking that only living things, including plants and algae, can use energy to make oxygen through photosynthesis, using sunlight to react.
Sweetman explained, “For aerobic life to begin on Earth, there had to be oxygen and our understanding has been that the availability of oxygen on Earth began with photosynthetic organisms.” He added, “But now we know that there is oxygen produced in the depths of the ocean, where there is no light.” So I think we have to revisit questions like: where did aerobic life begin?”
The team discovered this while conducting work between Hawaii and Mexico to assess the potential effects of deep sea mining. Samples of nodules from the sea in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone have been found to contain a “super high” electrical charge, which can support seawater electrolysis to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. Sweetman says these nodules are seen as “active batteries in the rock”.
The new understanding of how oxygen is produced raises the need for large-scale research, focusing on the less-explored depths of the ocean. It also shows how little we know about the undersea ecosystem and makes us question whether deep sea mining plans should continue. Many argue that we need to launch deep sea mining operations to provide the essential minerals needed to fuel the global green revolution, reducing the effects of climate change. However, many environmentalists and scientists are concerned about starting invasive operations under the sea without fully understanding the potential environmental impact of deep sea mining. Although deep-sea mining can provide a much-needed supply of minerals needed for renewable energy devices, electric vehicle batteries and clean technology, it could create other environmental problems in the future.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), the UN regulator that oversees deep-sea mining, is currently busy developing mining regulations, as many countries and companies show interest in developing new projects. There are potato-sized nodules of important minerals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese, sitting on the ocean floor, which many see as essential to driving the green revolution. In January, Norway became the first country to legalize the practice of deep sea mining. However, it will not immediately start new mining projects, instead, the government will evaluate proposals from mining companies in order to approve the license. The prospect of new offshore mining operations starting in the coming years has put pressure on the ISA to improve international mining laws to ensure the protection of marine and marine life.
However, there has been a lot of controversy over the leadership of the ISA in recent months, as the ISA general secretary, Michael Lodge, is battling his rival, Leticia Carvalho, for the next term in the role. Whoever takes office for the next term will make a significant contribution to deep sea mining regulations. Although Lodge strongly supports the establishment of regulations to allow the development of the project, Carvalho believes that more time is needed to understand the potential consequences of deep sea mining before proper regulations can be established. Supporters of each election have accused the other side of trying to influence the outcome of the election by offering to cover delegates’ travel expenses and paying delegates membership fees that were due in the past. Since backward countries are not allowed to vote, this could affect the outcome.
There is already a review of the draft ISA, following many complaints about the current leadership and the upcoming election of the Secretary General. The ISA is responsible for ensuring the protection of the undersea environment, with some member countries benefiting from new mining activities and others fearing the impact of mining on their seas and land. The recent discovery of “black oxygen” is putting a lot of pressure on the ISA to do more research in this area to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of deep sea mining and may suspend any new projects until it is more certain about the impacts.
Source link