Marine Minerals Webinar Series 2026 - Session 2: Seafloor Massive Sulphides

Seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits represent one of the most promising yet complex frontiers in marine mineral exploration. In this session, we will explore SMS - from the geological processes that form these deposits to the innovative methods required to extract them, and finally, to the strategies necessary for environmental impact and management. Key Takeaways: The Spreading Rate Paradox: The largest mineral deposits grow along slow-moving underwater mountain ranges. Hidden Volumes: Subsurface mineral structures can extend hundreds of meters into the crust, far outstripping what is visible on the seafloor. The Preservation Mandate: Active hydrothermal vents host highly dense, unique biological communities with deep evolutionary roots. Protecting these fragile ecosystems requires regional, comprehensive 3D conservation models before any extraction can be considered.