Portuguese 
Spanish 
Located between Hawaii and Mexico, the region gathers billions of tons of strategic minerals and also raises questions about environmental risks
An extensive area between Hawaii and Mexico concentrates billions of tons of polymetallic nodules on the Pacific Ocean floor.
The presence of these resources has placed the Clarion-Clipperton Zone at the center of interest for governments, companies, and technology-related sectors.
Some economic estimates calculate that these minerals could be worth up to US$ 18 trillion. This number, however, does not represent an official valuation.
-
Stand-Up Paddle Outing Turns Dangerous as Man Steps on UK’s Only Venomous Snake, Ends Up Hospitalized with Severely Swollen Leg
-
Europe Sizzles: Intense Heatwave Disrupts Daily Life, Closes Schools, Strains Power Grids, and Raises Concerns Over Potential Deaths
-
Ohio Carpenter Finds 308-Gram Meteorite the Size of a Baseball After Dreaming of Its Location
-
Chinese Humanoid Robots Transition from Labs to Real Factories to Assemble Tablets: AgiBot Deploys G2 Machines at Longcheer, Aiming for 100 Robots in Electronics, Cars, Chips, and Energy by 2026
The industry still needs to overcome technological, economic, environmental, and regulatory obstacles before starting large-scale commercial exploitation.
What exists at the bottom of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone?
Polymetallic nodules have slowly formed over millions of years on the seabed.
These rock formations cover large areas located at approximately 4,000 meters deep.
Their composition concentrates four strategic metals for different industrial sectors:
- Nickel: primarily used in batteries for electric vehicles;
- Cobalt: enhances the efficiency and durability of batteries;
- Manganese: used in the manufacture of metal alloys and steel products;
- Copper: supplies electronic equipment, electrical networks, and energy systems.
The industry considers the region, therefore, a possible alternative to mineral reserves exploited on land.
Since July 2000, the International Seabed Authority has managed the rules for prospecting and exploiting these nodules.
Currently, companies and countries maintain exploration contracts in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. These concessions, however, do not yet authorize broad commercial mining.
Why do these minerals attract so much interest?
The electrification of transportation has increased the demand for metals used in batteries and energy storage systems.
Electrical grids and equipment connected to renewable sources also consume large quantities of copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
According to the International Energy Agency, these materials play important roles in the energy transition and battery manufacturing.
In this context, governments and companies are evaluating underwater deposits as a possible source to meet part of the future industrial demand.
Underwater mining may cause permanent impacts
The economic potential of the region also raises environmental concerns within the scientific community.
During collection, machines would remove nodules from the seabed and destroy habitats used by various organisms.
The equipment could also raise large clouds of sediments and affect different forms of life over extensive areas.
Noises and vibrations represent another significant risk. These effects can impair the orientation of fish and marine mammals.
Science still knows little about many organisms living in the abyssal regions.
For this reason, researchers advocate for more in-depth studies before the start of any large-scale commercial exploration.
International dispute will define the future of exploration
The concentration of these minerals also fuels a geopolitical dispute among countries interested in strategic raw materials.
Various governments are trying to reduce external dependence and strengthen security in the supply of these resources.
International negotiations still need to define who will be able to explore the deposits and how countries will share the economic benefits.
In this scenario, the future of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone remains undefined.
Companies advocate for the start of commercial mining. In contrast, scientists and environmental organizations call for greater protection for ecosystems.
This debate is expected to define the balance between technological development, energy security, and ocean conservation.
