As deep-sea mining race ramps up, mission will assess whether ecosystems recover afterward: A new series of research cruises will study rare abyssal species in areas slated for mining.

The article focuses on the upcoming research cruises of the MiningImpact project, which aims to study the long-term impacts of deep-sea mining on rare abyssal species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Researchers will assess the recovery of deep-sea communities following industrial-scale mining tests conducted in 2021, particularly examining the effects on unique fauna that depend on polymetallic nodules. The project, involving over 100 scientists from nine countries, will explore the connectivity of deep-sea populations and their potential for recolonization after disturbances. As the demand for metals like nickel and cobalt increases, the findings will inform regulatory decisions by the United Nations's International Seabed Authority regarding deep-sea mining practices. [Extracted from the article]