About

Overview of the project

CSIRO is leading a research consortium developing an Integrated Ecosystem Assessment and Ecosystem Based Management Framework for Polymetallic Nodule Collection Activities. The research was commissioned by The Metals Company Australia Pty Ltd (TMC) and through agreement is made publicly available on this site and through scientific journal publications.

The consortium partners are CSIRO, Museums Victoria, Griffith University, University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand (Formerly New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and GNS Science).

This research has sought to highlight any potential impacts and effects of deep-sea mining. It closes knowledge gaps and provides information to decision makers and regulators as they consider if deep-sea mining activities should commence on the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The CSIRO consortium undertook this project as it was a ‘first of its kind’ opportunity to bring together relevant science disciplines in a whole-of-ecosystem way, and to set a very high standard for scientifically rigorous information that can be used as inputs into environmental impact assessment and decision making for deep-sea mining activities.

Deep-sea mining

Deep-sea mining refers to the extraction of mineral-rich deposits from the ocean floor. These deposits, such as rocky polymetallic nodules, contain critical minerals like cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese.

The deep sea is one of the most complex and least understood environments on Earth, making it highly vulnerable to disturbance. Independent scientific research—like that led by CSIRO—is essential to understand the potential environmental impacts and to inform evidence-based monitoring and management frameworks.

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a large area of the Pacific Ocean seabed between Hawaii and Mexico, rich in polymetallic nodules containing valuable metals like cobalt and nickel. It covers around 4.5 million square kilometres.

The CCZ is a key focus for deep-sea mining and is a focus area for the research undertaken by the consortium, with outcomes specific to the ecosystem type and environmental conditions of this area. Our research methods are applicable across multiple geographic areas irrespective of the location of proposed deep-sea mining.