What impact will SMS exploration and development have on marine life and the eco system?
Environmental disturbance caused by SMS exploration is minimal. Sampling and drilling of the deposits is conducted and controlled by remote controlled vehicles (ROV). There is no removal of overburden and sampling does not leave holes or rock piles behind. No actively venting SMS systems will be mined due to the populations of extremophile biota (vent fauna) around such sites – and because hydrothermal vent fluids are between 200 and 400oC. The environmental impact of any future development would be considerably less than for land-based mining. There is very little evidence of marine life where inactive SMS deposits are found. The seabed will be left much as it was found. There will be no deep excavations. Very little waste and no infrastructure will be left behind.
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