To engage in deep-sea mining or not to engage: what do full net cost analyses tell us?

Abstract

Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study investigates the full net costs associated with deep-sea mining (DSM) to determine its viability for various stakeholders, including countries, private companies, and the public. Through a comprehensive literature review, the authors assess the economic implications of DSM, highlighting that when considering the complete net costs, DSM is unlikely to be attractive to most entities involved. The findings suggest that alternative approaches, such as technological innovations and circular economy practices, could significantly reduce the demand for critical minerals, thereby diminishing the justification for engaging in DSM. This research lays the groundwork for future analyses and discussions regarding the sustainability and economic feasibility of deep-sea mining.