In June 2025, the MiningImpact3 project kicked-off with the University of Bergen as the Norwegian partner in an international consortium and Pedro Ribeiro as the university's project lead. MiningImpact3 is part of the third phase of the JPI Oceans Joint Action on the ecological aspects of deep-sea mining. With a total budget of c. €9 million, the project fills critical knowledge gaps about deep-sea ecosystems and the potential consequences of mining activities for them. Research not only focuses on polymetallic nodule fields but also addresses massive sulphide deposits, combining existing data with new expeditions to advance our understanding of these unique environments.

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One of the planned expeditions will study the ecosystem at seafloor massive sulphide deposits along the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge, with research cruises planned to Mohns Ridge in Norwegian waters during 2026 and 2027.

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Results from the research consortium will directly inform the ongoing development of international regulations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and support evidence-based policymaking for deep-sea resource management.

EMINENT works to enable a responsible value chain for deep-sea minerals, which will drastically reduce the environmental footprint of resources essential to the energy transition. The plan has four key focus areas:

1. ENVIRONMENT

Minimizing environmental impact is the cornerstone of our project, aiming for an 80% reduction in ecological footprint compared to land-based mining. We focus on baseline data and assessment tools.

2. EXPLORATION

Developing technology to efficiently locate and evaluate deep-sea mineral resources. Our methods enhance understanding of the ocean floor and its potential while maintaining strict safeguards.

3. PRODUCTION

Designing closed-loop systems for eco-friendly mineral extraction. We aim to minimize energy consumption and integrate with existing subsea technologies.

4. PROCESSING

Incorporating seabed minerals with existing processing operations. Developing technology to extract metals from sulfides. Our focus includes reducing waste and ensuring alternative uses for by-products.

The project started in 2021 and combines geochemistry and genome-centric metagenomics with metatranscriptomics and high-resolution microscopy, addressing the following aims:

1. Infer potential functions of uncultured novel hydrothermal vent microbial lineages.

2. Identify microbial metabolic interdependencies and co-operations.

3. In silico and activity screening of potential bioactive compounds (i.e antimicrobial peptides and biosynthetic gene clusters).

4. Create a metagenomics knowledge base for the education of a new generation of scientists in exploration and conservation of deep-sea microbiomes.