A stakeholder perspective on the drivers and barriers influencing the emergence of deep-sea mining

Abstract

The identification of drivers and barriers influencing the initiation of commercial deep-sea mining (DSM) is key to developing research approaches to support the development of adequate DSM management frameworks. This study aims to provide a systems-level understanding of DSM drivers and barriers integrating both academic literature and diverse stakeholder perspectives (industry, NGOs, policy-makers, and academic researchers). To this end, we carry out a political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) analysis combining the results of a literature survey, a participatory workshop, and semi-structured interviews. The results provide a broad overview of scientific knowledge and uncertainties relating to DSM drivers and barriers identified in the literature, alongside a synthesis of emerging perspectives and concerns expressed by stakeholders during the participatory workshop and interviews. The discussion highlights both areas of consensus and divergence across stakeholder groups and the literature, as well as a critical reflection on the relevance and limitations of the PESTEL approach, highlighting research needs to further support holistic decision making around DSM.