But fears of the consequences are growing
The quest for polymetallic nodules lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean has been stepped up as seabed exploration plans are approved by the International Seabed Authority (SA) for the island states of Fiji, Nauru and Tonga. These join the well-advanced projects of Nautilus Minerals and Neptune Minerals, currently exploring offshore Papua New Guinea and Aoteaora-New Zealand.
Neptune is based in London. Nautilus is listed on the Toronto and London AIM stock exchanges. One of its biggest shareholders is London-listed Anglo American.
See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=11100.