The Fundamentals of Deep-Sea Mining

The Fundamentals of Deep-Sea Mining

Author: Mineral Choices May 19, 2023 Duration: 23:20

Join me on this exciting episode as I speak with Erika Ilves, Head of Strategy & Business Development at The Metals Company, about the fundamentals behind deep-sea mining. We start out discussion off by learning about what deep-sea mining is and the diversity of mineral resources in the ocean. Erika informs viewers on the different types of metal resources found within these deposits and why TMC has decided to focus its efforts on deep-sea nodules. We also discuss the techniques and processes behind extracting nodules from the ocean floor. Erika also begins to discuss the opportunities and challenges that are presented with moving forward with deep-sea mining, busting some of the common myths often have about this type of mining. Most importantly, Erika emphasizes the increasing demand for metals necessary to support the energy transition and why TMC believes deep-sea mining provides a unique alternative to land-based mining operations. Be sure to check out part two next week as we dive deeper into the politics of deep-sea mining and the environmental discourse around the subject. 



Hosted by Mineral Choices, A Rock and A Hard Place features conversations with Dr. Saleem Ali and Thomas Hale. They sit down with geologists, engineers, economists, and community advocates to pull back the curtain on the materials that literally build our times. Every smartphone, wind turbine, and electric vehicle is born from the earth, creating a story that is as much about geopolitics and ethics as it is about chemistry. This podcast digs into that story, examining the immense challenge of sourcing minerals for a sustainable future without repeating the environmental and social mistakes of the past. It’s a nuanced look at the tension between urgent global needs and local impacts, between extraction and conservation. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions that move beyond simple headlines, exploring the real-world dilemmas at the intersection of science, industry, and human lives. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the foundations of modern life, asking what it truly takes to power our world responsibly.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 32

A Rock and A Hard Place
Podcast Episodes
Opportunities and Obstacles for Deep-Sea Mining [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:11
Join me for part two of my conversation with Erika Ilves, Head of Strategy & Business Development at The Metals Company as we discuss some of the opportunities of deep-sea mining and the real challenges and obstacles sti…
Challenges in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:05
Join us for part 2 with Hugh Brown as we identify some of the common challenges in ASM he has observed throughout his travels. We also learn more about how his photography attempts to bring humanity to these important is…
The Power of Photography and Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:53
Join us this week as we have Hugh Brown on the podcast, a best selling documentary photographer passionate about telling stories about the artisanal and small-scale mining sector. In this episode, we talk about the power…
Geoscience Communication & Mineral Literacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
On this episode, I am joined by Courtney Onstad, a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, studying geoscience communication. Her research focuses on how science communication theory can inform geo…