Futuristic seafloor mining operation with robotic harvesters.

Can We Grow Minerals? Inside the Revolutionary Idea of "Seafloor Mining"

Soraya Malik in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Scientists are exploring the possibility of cultivating mineral deposits at artificial hydrothermal vents, potentially transforming resource acquisition."

For years, land-based mines have been the primary source of base and precious metals like copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold. However, these traditional mining operations are often plagued by environmental concerns and difficulties in accurately estimating resource reserves. What if there was a way to 'grow' these valuable minerals instead, in a controlled and sustainable manner?

A fascinating study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on this possibility. Researchers investigated the petrological and geochemical properties of sulfide chimneys—mineral structures that form around hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. What's particularly exciting is that these chimneys were less than two years old, offering a unique opportunity to observe mineral formation in its earliest stages.

The research took place in the Iheya-North field in the Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, where scientific boreholes vent hydrothermal fluids. One infant chimney, dominated by copper, lead, and zinc-rich sulfide minerals, grew to a staggering height of 15 meters in just 25 months. This remarkable growth rate and the unique composition of these mineral deposits have significant implications for the future of resource acquisition.

Unveiling the Secrets of Rapid Mineral Growth: What Makes These Chimneys Special?

Futuristic seafloor mining operation with robotic harvesters.

The rapid growth of these infant chimneys is attributed to the large size of the hydrothermal vent created by the borehole—over 50 cm in diameter. This large opening induces slow mixing with the surrounding seawater, creating an environment that enhances the efficiency of sulfide deposition. In essence, the controlled environment fosters faster and more concentrated mineral growth.

The composition of these chimneys is also noteworthy. Some are dominated by sulfate minerals, while others are rich in sulfides, similar to high-grade copper, lead, and zinc deposits found on land. However, these infant chimneys have relatively low concentrations of arsenic and antimony, which are often undesirable elements in mineral processing.

High Growth Rate: Reaching 15 meters in height within 25 months.
Unique Composition: Dominated by copper, lead, and zinc-rich sulfide minerals.
Low Contamination: Relatively low concentrations of arsenic and antimony.
Controlled Environment: Slow mixing with seawater enhances sulfide deposition.

These findings suggest that it might be possible to cultivate seafloor sulfide deposits and even control their growth and grades by carefully managing how hydrothermal fluids mix and interact with the ambient seawater. This opens up exciting possibilities for a more sustainable and controlled approach to mineral resource extraction.

The Future of Resource Acquisition: Cultivating the Seafloor

The implications of this research are far-reaching. By understanding and controlling the conditions that promote rapid mineral growth at hydrothermal vents, we could potentially 'farm' valuable resources from the ocean floor in a more sustainable and environmentally responsible way. While challenges remain, the possibility of cultivating high-grade sulfide materials with controlled compositions represents a significant step forward in the quest for innovative and sustainable resource acquisition strategies.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1038/srep22163, Alternate LINK

Title: Rapid Growth Of Mineral Deposits At Artificial Seafloor Hydrothermal Vents

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Tatsuo Nozaki, Jun-Ichiro Ishibashi, Kazuhiko Shimada, Toshiro Nagase, Yutaro Takaya, Yasuhiro Kato, Shinsuke Kawagucci, Tomoo Watsuji, Takazo Shibuya, Ryoichi Yamada, Tomokazu Saruhashi, Masanori Kyo, Ken Takai

Published: 2016-02-25

Everything You Need To Know

Where was "seafloor mining" research conducted, and what specific mineral growth was observed?

The study focused on the Iheya-North field in the Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, where scientific boreholes vent hydrothermal fluids. Researchers examined infant chimneys, which are mineral structures that form around hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. One chimney, rich in copper, lead, and zinc-rich sulfide minerals, grew to 15 meters in just 25 months.

What specific factors contribute to the rapid growth of mineral deposits in these "seafloor mining" experiments?

The rapid growth of the sulfide chimneys observed in the study is primarily attributed to the large size (over 50 cm in diameter) of the hydrothermal vent created by the borehole. This large opening induces slow mixing with the surrounding seawater. This slow mixing enhances the efficiency of sulfide deposition, leading to faster and more concentrated mineral growth.

What makes the composition of these infant chimneys unique and potentially advantageous for resource extraction in "seafloor mining"?

The infant chimneys studied are dominated by sulfate minerals, or rich in sulfides, similar to high-grade copper, lead, and zinc deposits found on land. Notably, these chimneys have relatively low concentrations of arsenic and antimony, which are often undesirable elements in mineral processing. This composition simplifies extraction and reduces environmental concerns associated with processing.

What are the potential long-term implications of controlling mineral growth at hydrothermal vents for sustainable resource acquisition in the context of "seafloor mining"?

If we can manage how hydrothermal fluids mix and interact with ambient seawater, it could be possible to cultivate seafloor sulfide deposits and even control their growth and grades. This opens possibilities for a more sustainable and controlled approach to mineral resource extraction, reducing reliance on traditional land-based mining and its associated environmental impacts. There is a need to also consider the impact to the surrounding ecosystem, and the long term viability.

How does the concept of cultivating minerals at artificial hydrothermal vents compare to traditional land-based mining in terms of environmental impact and resource management, specifically concerning the potential of "seafloor mining"?

Traditional land-based mining faces challenges like environmental degradation, ecosystem disruption, and difficulties in accurately estimating resource reserves. "Seafloor mining" via cultivated hydrothermal vents offers a more controlled environment with the potential for faster mineral growth and reduced levels of undesirable elements like arsenic and antimony. Further research is required, however, before implementation.