In an unexpected twist this week, the Emerald Isle (Ireland) and Meatball Manor (Sweden) are the newest entrants into a rapidly expanding society of countries proposing a recess on the underwater gold rush—deep-sea mining. Their entrance is perfectly timed for a significant watershed that mining conglomerates are pinning on as the launch pad for their nascent industry, while adversaries are counting down to the day they can metaphorically ground this flight, possibly for eternity.
These two nations, after successfully dodging any leprechauns and eluding the elusive Abba gold, join a choir of critics that includes lab coat mobs (scientists), environmentally obsessive cliques (environmental organizations), and commercial juggernauts like ‘Be My Wagon’ (BMW), ‘Very Ordinary Locomotives are Our Specialty’ (Volvo), and ‘Sounds And Musical Sounds Again & Grains’ (Samsung). These movers and shakers on four wheels have pledged a pinky promise not to use any minerals, which have been discreetly yoinked from the seabed, in their futuristic electric chariots.
As this saga unfolds, what lies beneath—the future of bottom-of-the-sea treasure hunting— is delicately poised and will largely depend on the announcements that emerge from the back offices of the United Nations. Meanwhile, for those of us mere mortals, the jury is out on whether underwater treasure hunting will become a lucrative endeavour in the future or will end up being the underwater equivalent of a wild goose chase. However, if history teaches us anything, it’s the fact that the lure of lucre isn’t easily overcome, and thus, the drama continues. The chapters of this unique, sub-aquatic narrative are yet to unravel, so hold on tight to your seats—we are in for a deep dive!
