Mind this deep sea mining – by Glenn Tucker (Jamaica Observer – August 22, 2022)

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It has been announced that deep sea mining is scheduled to start in Jamaican waters soon. There are some muted expressions of concern from the usual quarters. And with good reason.

Earth’s mass is 6.6 sextillion tonnes. Its volume is about 260 billion cubic miles. The total surface of the Earth is about 197 million square miles. About 71 per cent of our planet is covered by water and just 29 per cent by land. Only three per cent of this water is fresh water.

The highest point in the world is Mount Everest at 29,035 feet. The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the ocean and the deepest location on Earth. It is 36,201 feet deep. If you placed Mount Everest at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the peak would still be 7,000 feet below sea level. This should give some idea of the vastness of the oceans.

The deep sea contains some of the most pristine ecosystems of our planet and plays a crucial role in regulating climate. There is an increasing demand for ocean minerals as commodity prices are going through the roof. New and innovative technology are making increasing demands for minerals, like zinc, cobalt, and copper.

For the rest of this column: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/mind-this-deep-sea-mining/