Report published by the Deep Sea Mining Campaign.
Deep sea mining (DSM) risks releasing unregulated radioactivity directly into global ocean commons and marine food chains. There are at least 10 critical knowledge gaps that must be answered before DSM is permitted. We call on the science community and regulatory authorities to undertake a focused investigative effort.
Radioactive alpha emitters naturally concentrate in polymetallic nodules and seafloor massive sulphides, both of which are targeted by companies for mining. While marine ecosystems are adapted to natural background levels of radioactivity, deep sea mining will mobilise radioactive materials and expose marine life and food chains to elevated levels, possibly for extensive distances from deep sea mining sites.
Alpha radiation is readily blocked by barriers such as skin or paper, but is extremely dangerous if swallowed or breathed in. If immersed in contaminated water, marine life would ingest and breathe in radioactive isotopes, and eat contaminated prey.
What are the likely ecological risks and effects of radioactive isotopes released by mining polymetallic nodules and seafloor massive sulphides, particularly in relation to impacts on marine species, ecosystems, and food webs?