From Deep Sea Mining Pilot page

Environmental aspects of deep sea mining

• Deep-sea mining is an emerging human activity potentially having an impact on biogeochemical and ecological processes on the seafloor. One project aims at developing a conceptual model on sediment-water interactions in SMS zones, as well as at improving and adapting existing biogeochemical models of benthic interactions under deep-sea mining conditions.
• The other project focuses on another major environmental concern being the generation of plumes near the seabed and in the water column. Sediment from these plumes may accumulate on the seabed, choking suspension feeders and burying seabed animals. This project aims to estimate the impacts of such plumes on the benthos. The results may be used in future environmental impact assessments for deep-sea mining, and in the development of policy for environmental management.
• Both studies will contribute to the establishment of guidelines for exploration and exploiting activities at deep-sea mineral deposits.