Should we allow Rare Earth mining from the Sea Floor?
Deep sea mining is the new threat causing harm to the aquatic ecosystems. People now prefer deep sea mining since shallow mining of minerals such as gold, diamonds and other minerals have taken place over long periods of time. Rare to earth elements are on demand currently mostly for the moveable electronics and even batteries used in hybrid cars and this is increasing mining activities in the ocean floors (Mills et al, 1998). Since 2001, over 30 permits have been issued to various companies for them to mine in the different oceans all over the world which shows that the rate of mining is on the increase. Currently, more companies are asking for permits so that they can explore the ocean beds and get some minerals. The UN gives permit to companies for them to explore the sea floors and get minerals since most motor vehicle companies require those minerals for them to manufacture hybrid cars.
Though the UN is giving permits to companies, deep sea mining is a threat to the ocean ecosystems especially the aquatic ecosystems since it interferes with the normal ocean ecosystems. This mining threatens the aquatic species and causes harm to them thus it should not be allowed if the UN wants to spare the aquatic species and conserve the ocean ecosystem (Mills et al, 1998). Exploiting these rocks and minerals will interfere with the natural ocean ecosystem therefore destroying habitats to various ocean species. This mining causes more harm to the ecosystem instead of conserving the ecosystem therefore showing that it is not right and therefore should not be allowed. Instead companies should come up with other minerals instead of exploiting the beautiful rocks in the oceans and interfering with the oceanic ecosystem.
References
Mills, R. A., Harrison, K., Geological Society of London., British Mid-Ocean Ridge Initiative., & Challenger Society for Marine Science. (1998). Modern ocean floor processes and the geological record. London: Geological Society.
