Der Tiefseebergbau zwischen Rohstoffsicherung und Nachhaltigkeit

The current debate on the security of supply of raw materials for industry is about reliable sources of supply. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 opens up the possibility of seabed mining (deep-sea mining) in international and national maritime zones. In addition to mining on land, there is now the option of marine mining in the form of manganese nodules, massive sulphides and polymetallic crusts with their high contents of copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, other metals and rare earths. Deep-sea mining is controversial for environmental reasons and requires the highest safety standards. At the same time, it offers interesting new technologies and opportunities for co-operation. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica has so far awarded 30 licences for the exploration and sampling of deposits, including two to Germany.