The Metals Company Advances Deep-Sea Mining Pilot in Pacific Amid Ecological Concerns

The Metals Company, a Canadian business, successfully conducted a pilot test for deep-sea mining in the Pacific in 2022. They aim to gain approval for commercial extraction across 65,000 square kilometers, targeting over 600 million tons of mineral-rich nodules. The initiative is part of 31 efforts by various countries and companies, including China and India, to collect these resources. However, there are ongoing debates regarding ecological impacts and the sufficiency of terrestrial mineral resources, with calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining from conservationists and several nations.

Published Mar 23, 2026

In 2022, The Metals Company conducted a successful pilot test for deep-sea mining at over 4,000 meters in the Pacific Ocean. The company seeks approval for commercial extraction across 65,000 square kilometers, aiming for over 600 million tons of nodules containing copper, manganese, cobalt, and nickel.

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This initiative is among 31 efforts by various countries, including China, India, and Nauru, to explore these resources. While proponents argue that terrestrial minerals are insufficient, conservationists and approximately 40 countries, led by Palau, demand a moratorium on deep-sea mining due to potential ecological impacts. Negotiations on mining regulations are ongoing, with a push for a commercial permit by Nauru amid unresolved issues.