Seminar Details
2025-11-21 (08:30) : Harvesting of Polymetallic Nodules: Opportunity for Energy Transition vs. Particulate Pollution
At Auditorium BARB01
Organized by Euler Building
Speakers :
Théo Clotman (UCLouvain)
,
and
Deleersnijder, Eric
Abstract :
The growing global demand for critical minerals to support the low-carbon transition has spurred increasing interest in deep-sea mining in the eastern Pacific, particularly the extraction of polymetallic nodules. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), which oversees environmental impacts, currently has limited capacity to assess and mitigate potential effects on deep-sea ecosystems.
This seminar presents results from a 3D hydrodynamic model coupled with a Lagrangian sediment transport model simulating sediment plume dispersal during mining operations. Findings highlight the dominant role of fine particles in shaping the spatial footprint of disturbances as well as the strong sensitivity of impact assessments and mitigation strategies to biological harm thresholds. An analytical approach based on Green’s functions and residence times is also discussed, offering insights into collector trajectories that may minimise environmental impacts -- The full announcement is available here.