Study to investigate the state of knowledge of deep-sea mining

This report gives an overview on the current and latest state of knowledge of deep-sea mining. It examines the geological potential, relevant technologies, economic viability, environmental implications and legal regime. It includes an inventory of ongoing exploration and exploitation projects.

It is based on an extensive desk-based research, literature review, interviews with stakeholders and expert workshops. The study did not aim to produce new knowledge or innovations but rather to bring together all available information and data currently present on the matter.

The main report presents the overall findings in a coherent storyline. Detailed information on the various aspects of deep-sea mining as well as more detailed description of underlying data and figures is presented in the annexes attached.