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In 2013, a deep mining company called Sebard Resources in the UK signed a contract with Marine Biologists Dava Amon and other scientists from the University of Hawaii, Manova, to survey a section of the Sea floor in the Clearn Claperton Zone, which is located in the Pacific Ocean.
The area is known about the supply of rocky in which the size of the potatoes is called polymetic nodols. They are rich in metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, which have historically been used to build batteries and electric vehicles.
Someday, the company thought it could benefit from their mining. But earlier, he wanted to know more about the widespread uncovering environment where he was found.
Using a remote -powered vehicle equipped with cameras and lights, it started documenting 2.5 miles deep.
On one of the first divers of the robot, a creature like an 8 -foot -tall tent -tent -tents, about two feet above the sea floor, appeared. It was linked to an anchor style marine sponge on a valuable nodols.
Amun was overwhelmed with enthusiasm. It was probably a new generation, he said. He also felt a feeling of grief. He said, “It was amazingly beautiful animal,” that no one had ever seen before. “And maybe they will never be again.” I feel the great grief over this ability that the place we have surveyed can be mining and essentially destroying in the future. “
Now, after more than a decade, Ammon fears his fear may be the result.
“Next gold rush”
President Trump signed on April 24 An executive order The industry is required to promote deep maritime mining in the United States and international waters, the country’s economic growth and national security.
The order states, “These resources are key to strengthening our economy, securing the future of our energy and reducing the dependence on foreign suppliers.”
In an online post last month, the National Oceanic and Womeni Administration (NOAA) described the political move as a step towards paving the way for “next gold rush”, stating that “from defense systems and batteries to smartphones and medical devices, access to important minerals is important.