CBA Podcast Club - This week's topic: Deep Sea Mining

As the world transitions toward a less carbon-intensive and more electrified energy system, demand for copper and other critical minerals is expected to far outstrip current supply. One proposed solution is to mine polymetallic nodules found on the abyssal plains of the ocean floor.

Podcast Club Banner - Next Meeting: Monday, March 23rd at 12:15 in the KBH Terrarium (3315)

Podcast Club Banner - Next Meeting: Monday, March 23rd

In this week’s selected podcast episode, Gerard Barron - CEO of The Metals Company - makes both an environmental and economic case for deep-sea mining. Of course, he has strong incentives to make that case. What do you think?

Listen, come and join the discussion!

To prepare, please listen to the interview segment: 

9:04 - 35:45

(from “Okay, let’s give people more context...” to “...That’s the process we’re in the middle of right now.”)

The full interview is longer and worth listening to, but this shorter middle segment will give us plenty to discuss.

You can listen:

- Directly on the Core Memory website here

- Or on Apple Podcasts

- Or via your favorite podcast app

 


Supplemental Reading (Optional)

These resources provide additional context for the discussion, but you do not need to read them to participate.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ai-boost-copper-demand-50-by-2040-more-mines-needed-ensure-supply-sp-says-2026-01-08/

https://www.wri.org/insights/deep-sea-mining-explained

https://www.wri.org/insights/how-mining-impacts-forests 

https://metals.co/frequently-asked-questions/

Published Mar. 13, 2026 10:46 AM - Last modified Mar. 20, 2026 12:58 PM