Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Science

Deep-sea mining could destroy unique habitats hidden inside metal-rich nodules

In the extreme depths of the Pacific Ocean, there are small, metal-bearing formations that are far more than just valuable sources of raw materials. A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports shows that polymetallic nodules serve as specialized habitats for tiny organisms.

Deep-sea mining could destroy unique habitats hidden inside metal-rich nodules
Image: Phys.org
In the extreme depths of the Pacific Ocean, there are small, metal-bearing formations that are far more than just valuable sources of raw materials. A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports shows that polymetallic nodules serve as specialized habitats for tiny organisms.

Originally published at Phys.org

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