Rare Earth Horizons: The Ocean as the New Energy Mine of the 21st Century

Rare and Rare Earth Metals in the Ocean Foundation’s Global Strategy

Within the Ocean Foundation, rare and rare earth metals (REEs) are regarded as a strategic resource for the future, particularly in the context of sustainable development, advanced technologies, and global competition for critical materials. Below are the key focus areas related to rare and rare earth metals within the foundation’s activities.

1. The Ocean as a New Source of Rare Earth Metals

Modern research confirms that oceanic deposits and seabed sediments are a promising source of rare and rare earth metals, which are essential for microelectronics, batteries, aerospace industries, and defense technologies.
• Deep-sea ores: At depths of 4,000–6,000 meters, there are significant polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements.
• Hydrothermal vents: Black smokers and hydrothermal fields contain rare metals such as lanthanum, cerium, yttrium, and europium.
• Continental shelf deposits: Some offshore regions have high concentrations of REEs, making them viable for environmentally friendly extraction.

The Ocean Foundation conducts strategic assessments of these sources and develops plans for their sustainable utilization.

2. Rare Earth Metals and Global Technological Competition

Rare and rare earth metals play a critical role in the global economy, as they are used in the production of:
• Semiconductors and microchips (gallium, indium, tellurium).
• Lithium-ion batteries (lithium, cobalt, nickel).
• Solar panels and renewable energy systems (germanium, tellurium, indium).
• Military and defense technologies (samarium, neodymium, dysprosium).

The key challenge is the geopolitical monopoly on the extraction and processing of REEs. For instance:
• China controls over 70% of global rare earth metal production.
• The US, EU, and Japan are actively seeking alternative sources.
• Africa and Latin America are becoming new extraction zones.

The Ocean Foundation explores alternative supply chains, sustainable processing methods, and international cooperation to ensure resource security.

3. Sustainable Development and Environmental Responsibility: Eco-Friendly Extraction

The Ocean Foundation advocates for clean extraction methods that minimize environmental damage:
• Developing biotechnologies for REE extraction from seabed sediments.
• Establishing closed-loop recycling systems, where rare metals are recovered from electronic waste instead of being mined from the ocean.
• Using renewable energy sources to power extraction and processing plants, reducing the carbon footprint.

These initiatives aim to balance industrial demand with ocean conservation efforts.

4. International Cooperation and Investment

The Ocean Foundation acts as a global integrator and facilitator, fostering partnerships with:
• Leading technology companies (Tesla, Samsung, Siemens, Huawei).
• Government agencies (EU, UN, UNESCO, World Bank).
• Scientific institutions and universities.

The foundation is also developing a Global Rare Earth Metals Index, which will:
• Assess reserves and availability of rare earth elements worldwide.
• Promote sustainable mining standards.
• Provide long-term forecasting for REE supply chains.

Such an index will enhance transparency and help policymakers make informed decisions about future resource management.

5. The Future of Rare Earth Metals: Forecasts Until 2050

The Ocean Foundation is creating future models that explore seven possible scenarios for the rare earth metals industry:
1. Resource Conflicts – escalating global competition and economic wars over REEs.
2. Alternative Sources – active development of deep-sea mining.
3. Technological Breakthroughs – discovery of synthetic substitutes for REEs.
4. Mass Recycling of E-Waste – transition to 100% REE recovery from discarded electronics.
5. Geopolitical Shifts – new countries emerging as dominant suppliers.
6. Global Consortium – establishment of an international regulatory body for REE mining.
7. Energy Revolution – new materials eliminating the need for rare earth metals.

The Ocean Foundation plays a key role in analyzing these scenarios and developing policy recommendations for governments and industries worldwide.

Conclusion

Rare and rare earth metals are the backbone of technological progress. The Ocean Foundation sees the ocean as a key element in securing sustainable REE supplies and is actively working on solutions for their responsible extraction, recycling, and redistribution through a holistic ecosystem-based approach.

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