Story perspectives

Deep-Sea Mining Tests Reveal 37% Decline in Marine Life

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Deep-sea mining tests in the Pacific Ocean show significant damage to seabed life, including a 37% drop in animal numbers.
The Natural History Museum-led study, commissioned by The Metals Company, found over 4,000 species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, raising concerns about environmental impacts of extracting renewable-energy minerals.
Some areas near mining tracks showed no decrease in animal abundance, yet experts warn current mining technologies are too damaging for large-scale operations.

1 of 1

Story summary

Deep-sea mining tests in the Pacific Ocean show significant damage to seabed life, including a 37% drop in animal numbers.
The Natural History Museum-led study, commissioned by The Metals Company, found over 4,000 species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, raising concerns about environmental impacts of extracting renewable-energy minerals.
Some areas near mining tracks showed no decrease in animal abundance, yet experts warn current mining technologies are too damaging for large-scale operations.