Ahoy there, tech-savvy sailors! Are you ready to embark on a deep-sea adventure? No, we're not talking about hunting for buried treasure or wrestling with giant squids. We're talking about a real and upcoming threat to our oceans: deep-sea mining.

But hold on to your refurbished Apple devices, because things are about to get wild. In this post, we'll be diving deep into the world of deep-sea mining, exploring its potential environmental impact and how sustainable tech can help us make waves in shaping its future.

Is it a friend of our future?

We know this might sound like a sci-fi movie plot, but it’s actually happening as we speak! Yes, you heard that right. We're now exploring the depths of the ocean to find precious metals and minerals, and this could bring some interesting benefits for sustainable tech. Here are some of the reasons why. Some studies suggest that it could diversify our mineral sourcing, thus not depending on the very few countries where you can mine elements like lithium and zing. The potential to mine the ocean floors and get our hands on these elements without damaging the earth could be huge. And the costs of tech products would exponentially decrease since these elements are abundant in our seabed.

So, who's all about this deep-sea mining thing? Apparently, the International Seabed Authority has given out over 20 exploration contracts to companies that want to check out the CCZ. And get this, those companies think they could start mining the area within three years of getting their extraction license. But, there are some people who are saying that this whole mining deal could be super bad news for our already struggling oceans, if not the entire globe.

The Cons of Deep-Sea Mining: The Environmental and Social Foe We Should Fear

As a refurbishment business, we believe it's important to consider the environmental impact of industries like deep-sea mining. While it may seem like a solution to our mineral and metal needs, there are several reasons why it will only cause harm.

Wildlife Will Suffer

Wildlife Will Suffer

Finding treasures in the abyss with huge machines may sound exciting, but it's a surefire way to cause chaos. There are a lot of unique ecosystems in the ocean's depths that are home to a wide range of sea creatures, from ancient coral reefs and underwater peaks to sharks that have lived for hundreds of years. Let's preserve this wonderland, shall we? And while we're at it, let's embrace a green and conscious approach to tech, like using refurbished Apple devices and sustainable tech innovations that are kinder to the planet.

Because of how slowly they grow, these creatures are especially vulnerable to physical changes.According to researchers, the harm that mining has caused will never go away on a human time scale.Plus, the machines used in mining will create sediment plumes that can smother deep sea habitats for miles, while toxic vapors released from mining ships can harm ocean species for hundreds or even thousands of miles.

And it's not just the digging that's the problem. The machines used in mining can create sediment plumes that harm habitats for miles, and the toxic vapors released from the ships can hurt sea life over hundreds or even thousands of miles. Plus, the noise from these machines can mess with the whales that live in the deep, and floodlights can throw off the natural rhythms of creatures adapted to low light levels.

Endangering Unique Species

The creatures that inhabit the deep sea are truly remarkable. From zombie worms to transparent anemones that can eat worms six times their size, the deep sea is full of bizarre and wondrous creatures. At one of the target sites for mining, 85% of the wildlife living around hydrothermal vents is found nowhere else in the oceans. Licenses have already been granted to explore the mining potential at these vents, including the incredible Lost City in the middle of the Atlantic.

But we need to be careful. Deep-sea mining can seriously harm the natural habitats of these specialized creatures, putting them at risk of extinction. That's why we should consider a more sustainable tech approach, like using refurbished Apple devices and eco-friendly innovations. It's no secret that the machines used in mining can cause significant damage that may be irreversible, so we need to take a more responsible approach to preserving these amazing creatures and their habitats.

Another study shows how deep-sea mining explosions will cause irreversible harm to animals exposed to the noise. "I think primarily something that sticks out is that it’s an industry that’s likely to emit quite a lot of noise, and for certain species, that is a real problem," study co-author and lecturer in ecology at the University of Exeter Dr. Kirsten Thompson told EcoWatch in an interview. Mining could very well go on for 24 hours straight, creating frequencies that would interfere with how whales and dolphins communicate, and another study found that the existing underwater noise has increased the risk of mother humpback whales becoming separated from their calves, due to their calls being drowned out by human noise.

Harming Our Climate Change Allies

The deep sea is a crucial source of "blue carbon," which is carbon that marine life naturally absorbs and stores in deep-sea sediment for thousands of years after these creatures die.

This helps to combat climate change. But if we start deep sea mining, we're messing with these natural processes and could actually make climate change worse. The machines they use might end up releasing carbon that's been locked away in deep-sea sediments, and the wider impacts could totally disrupt the way carbon gets stored in those sediments. In a world already facing a climate emergency, do we really want to make things worse for ourselves?

Disrupting the Ocean Food Chain

The widespread disruption to marine life caused by deep sea mining could cause significant damage to marine life. Companies involved in the supply chain are fully aware of this risk, as noted in a document circulated during a deep sea mining stakeholder meeting. The extinction of unique species that form the base of the food chain is a potential consequence of this activity.

Destroying Wonders Yet to Be Discovered

We have only explored a tiny fraction of the deep sea floor to see what lives there. We have so much more to learn about the deep ocean’s wildlife and ecosystems. How can companies properly risk-manage something that we are yet to fully understand? Without proper protection of the deep sea, we could destroy species and ecosystems yet to be discovered. No minerals or metals are worth destroying ecosystems we don’t even understand yet.

It's clear that deep-sea mining is a bad idea. The corporations behind this destructive practice know the risks, just like the oil industry knew the environmental risks of their product while convincing politicians it was essential for the economy. We cannot let this happen again. We need to invest in recycling and new technology instead of threatening marine life for profit. The stakes are simply too high.

Apple Says NO To Deep Sea Mining: What Does It Mean For The Industry’s Future?

So, Apple just said no to deep-sea mining! That's right, they're going green and taking the environment seriously. As a company that sells refurbished Apple devices, we couldn't be more proud to work with a company that has a sustainable mindset.

Apple has set a goal to stop mining the earth altogether by 2030. That means they're not just stopping at deep sea mining, they're aiming to use alternatives like recycling, urban mining, and reducing consumption. And other companies better start taking notes, because Apple is setting the standard.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But I love purchasing the most recent iPhone!" Well, fear not, my friends. Apple's commitment to sustainable tech doesn't mean sacrificing quality. In fact, they offer refurbished iPhones that work just as well as brand-new ones.

With the growing popularity of sustainable tech, the future of tech looks promising. Refurbished Apple devices, including refurbished iPhones, have made it possible to stay up-to-date with the latest gadgets without harming the environment. We can now make conscious choices as consumers and still enjoy cool things. Apple and its partner for certified refurbished products, Loop Mobile, are leading the way towards a circular economy that emphasizes eco-design, reuse, repair, and recycling, paving the way for sustainable tech.

It's also crucial to consider the impact of technology on communities worldwide. In Papua New Guinea, coastal communities are already feeling the effects of the world's first deep-sea mining experiment, and they're demanding a total ban on the practice. However, Apple's recent announcement against deep-sea mining proves that these communities are not alone. We can take better care of our planet and the people who call it home.

We applaud Apple for taking a stand against deep-sea mining and setting a new standard for sustainable tech. Loop Mobile is proud to work with Apple and support its vision for a greener future. Perhaps one day we will all use refurbished devices, feel good about our impact on the world, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Final thoughts

Even though deep sea mining is a controversial topic, it is clear that the key to its future is the development of sustainable technology.As a company that prioritizes sustainability, Loop Mobile urges our fellow tech enthusiasts to consider the environmental impact of industries like deep sea mining.

By buying used Apple products, we can help cut down on our carbon footprint and protect the natural habitats of the deep sea.

Let's work together to create a more sustainable tech future. Remember, sustainability is better, and we stand with Apple and Loop in this belief.