This letter features reporting from "EVs and the Deep Sea: Should We Mine the Ocean To Make Clean Cars in South Carolina?" by Clare Fieseler
Dear Shri Pralhad Joshi,
The seabed of the Central Indian Ocean lies untapped, holding billions of tons of polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper—metals critical to powering the green energy revolution. Yet, as India's ambitions soar to meet renewable energy targets of 500 gigawatts by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070, I urge you to consider: at what environmental and ethical cost should these resources be acquired?
The article “EVs and the Deep Sea: Should We Mine the Ocean to Make Clean Cars in South Carolina?” reveals the hidden risks of undersea mining at a systemic level. While the sea holds the allure of mineral wealth, it is also one of Earth’s least explored and most ecologically sensitive biomes. The 1970s deep sea mining experiment left irrevocable damage; plumes of sediment travelling hundreds of miles smothered marine life, while multitudes of species tethered to the seafloor were displaced and annihilated. Deepsea mining threatens all of this and more. Closer to the surface, organisms’ breeding and behavioral patterns may alter due to noise and light pollution from mining machinery. Moreover, disruption of the ocean floor—the planet’s largest carbon sink—could release methane and other greenhouse gases, exacerbating the climate crisis.
These concerns are not hypothetical. Local fishing communities, such as those in Kerala—my ancestral home—have expressed fears about the zoning of fishing areas for mining, which could severely impact their livelihoods. Kerala’s coastline contributes 13-15% of India’s fish production and boasts one of the richest marine gene pools in the world. Generations have relied on these marine resources, yet are now at risk of losing them to potentially catastrophic technologies. The possibility of unscrupulous elements exploiting the open sea policy to their ends, thus perpetuating unbridled mining, is also gaining traction.
Proponents argue that seabed mining could alleviate reliance on conflict-ridden terrestrial sources, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, which supplies 70% of the world’s cobalt but suffers from rampant child labour and hazardous working conditions. However, both issues are prevalent in India as well. Our advancements in deep-sea exploration, such as the Matsya 6000 submersible and trials collecting polymetallic nodules at depths of 5,270 meters, have proved the potential of the Indian Ocean Basin. Instead of mining, India has the chance to pioneer bioleaching. A study conducted in the Indian Ocean demonstrated the potential of microorganisms to extract critical metals, bypassing the ecological costs of dredging the seafloor.
Companies like Volvo and BMW have adopted lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which eliminate reliance on deep-sea minerals like cobalt and nickel. Tesla has integrated LFP technology into nearly half of its EVs, and Volkswagen plans to follow suit. These batteries are safer, cheaper to produce, and rely primarily on manganese, a mineral more abundant on land. Recycling programs, like those implemented by Redwood Materials, show promise in creating a circular economy for EV batteries, reducing the need for virgin materials. India could emulate this strategy, both to decrease reliance on mining and to build a self-sustaining economy.
Globally, over 24 countries, including members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, have called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until its risks are thoroughly understood and mitigated. Indigenous communities in the Pacific, like Papua New Guinea's Solwara Warriors, have emphasized the moral imperative to protect this “common heritage of mankind.” As the Union Minister of Renewable Energy, I urge you to advocate for a similar anti-mining stance and redirect efforts toward cleaner, proven alternatives. Only then can we meet our energy goals while preserving the last untouched frontier on the planet.
Sincerely,
Arwen Shah
Arwen Shah, a junior at Greenwood High International, Bangalore, is passionate about reading, writing, and all things STEM. Her keen interest in biotechnology and sustainability drives her to explore how they can help shape a better future.
Arwen is a firm believer in the power of education, and hopes to use her curiosity to contribute meaningfully to society and fuel positive change.
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