formed over millions of years. these largely potato sized rocks contain metals like cobalt, nickel, copper and manganese, all of which can be used to build batteries. and batteries, whether they re in electric cars or storing energy for when the wind doesn t blow, are a crucial part of plans to reach our emissions targets. there are thought to be billions of tonnes of polymetallic nodules in the sea, the largest deposit around what s known as the clarion clipperton zone in the north pacific. the us geological survey estimated if we mined the ocean for metals in the same way we ve extracted petroleum, 35 45% of demand could come from deep ocean mines by 2065. but what some have suggested could be a new gold rush has so far only ever seen exploratory projects. in the 19805 it was decided anything beyond the exclusive economic zone of individual nations, more than half the sea bed, should be the common heritage of mankind. the international seabed authority was created to set regulations
Metals
Batteries
Part
Rocks
Energy
Millions
Wall
Cars
Storing
Plans
Nickel
Blow