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Deep-Sea Mining Devastates Pacific Biodiversity, Study Finds

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study funded by The Metals Company shows deep-sea mining in the Pacific reduces biodiversity, with a 37% decline in animal populations and a 32% drop in species diversity.
The study, in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, sampled over 4,000 creatures before and after a mining test.
The Metals Company says impacts are limited to mined areas, while experts warn current technologies are too damaging for large-scale operations.

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Story summary

A study funded by The Metals Company shows deep-sea mining in the Pacific reduces biodiversity, with a 37% decline in animal populations and a 32% drop in species diversity.
The study, in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, sampled over 4,000 creatures before and after a mining test.
The Metals Company says impacts are limited to mined areas, while experts warn current technologies are too damaging for large-scale operations.