The third phase of the European research project MiningImpact has officially begun. Researchers from nine countries are joining forces to study the ecological consequences of deep-sea mining – both in polymetallic nodule
The third phase of the European research project MiningImpact has officially begun. Researchers from nine countries are joining forces to study the ecological consequences of deep-sea mining – both in polymetallic nodule fields and at seafloor massive sulfide deposits along mid-ocean ridges.
At the heart of the project lies research into the spatial and temporal variability of the deep-sea environment and the genetic connectivity of species across thousands of kilometers.
Scientists are also investigating how toxic substances released and habitats destroyed by mining could affect faunal communities on the seafloor and in the water column.
Based on these findings, the project aims to develop indicators of ecosystem health and to define threshold values for serious harm. In addition, MiningImpact3 is developing digital twin technologies as new tools to monitor and regulate mining activities.
Broader questions of ocean governance and societal implications will also be addressed, including how mining regulations are situated in the multiple international marine agreements.
MiningImpact is coordinated by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel.
Now entering its third phase, MiningImpact3 has been selected under the Joint Action on the Ecological Aspects of Deep-Sea Mining of JPI Oceans. With a total budget of about €9 million ($10.5
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