Deep-sea exploration started in the 1960s, but mining was not viable then. However, new interest has been sparked by rising demand for precious metals, mainly from Asian and other developing countries, and rising commodity prices. Anglo American, through its majority stake in De Beers, sucks up diamonds from the ocean…

Environmental impact assessment studies have shown that the recovery of phosphate sediment in the mining area (ML170) can be undertaken with relatively low impact to the seawater quality, says Mr. David Wellbeloved, Project General Manager, of Sandpiper. The company is under constant fire from environmental groups who oppose the development…