FT Rethink

Deep-sea mining: vital resource or environmental disaster?

Surging demand for the metals used in electric car batteries is setting off a race to mine the deep seas. As the FT’s Henry Sanderson explains, the sea floor could contain more nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals than all land-based reserves combined. Miners say it may diversify supply, but environmentalists fear mining will do irreparable damage.


As the world changes at lightning speed, the FT Rethink series explores how to navigate transformative shifts shaping the future, from geopolitics and climate to industry, energy and health. The channel alternates between independent reporting from FT journalists and business perspectives from Lombard Odier.

Game

How are your home habits impacting the planet?

Play the game

About FT Channels

FT Channels, a partnership destination that combines impactful and enriching multimedia content to spark curiosity and encourage discovery. Each vertical brings expert insights from the Financial Times and our Partners into the most pressing issues of our time.

Follow us

FT Rethink

FT Channels, a partnership destination that combines impactful and enriching multimedia content to spark curiosity and encourage discovery. Each vertical brings expert insights from the Financial Times and our Partners into the most pressing issues of our time.


As the world changes at lightning speed, the FT Rethink series explores how to navigate transformative shifts shaping the future, from geopolitics and climate to industry, energy and health. The channel alternates between independent reporting from FT journalists and business perspectives from Lombard Odier.