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Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Deep-Sea Mining: Technology, Law and Environment
The Master's in Deep-Sea Mining: Technology, Law and Environment Gives you a complete and rigorous view of one of the most debated issues in the blue economy: mining minerals from the seabed. You will study the resources (polymeta
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Deep-Sea Mining: Technology, Law and Environment?
The Master's in Deep-Sea Mining: Technology, Law and Environment
Gives you a complete and rigorous view of one of the most debated issues in the blue economy: mining minerals from the seabed. You will study the resources (polymetallic nodules, sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts), exploration and extraction technology, the legal framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Seabed Authority, and the environmental impact and the arguments for a moratorium. A programme to understand, assess and manage this sector with sound judgement.
Key advantages
- A balanced view: Economic, scientific and environmental arguments examined with equal rigour.
- Applied law of the sea: The Area, the continental shelf and the ISA Mining Code.
- Subsea technology: ROVs, AUVs, collectors, risers and production vessels.
- Deep-sea ecosystem science: Biodiversity, habitat recovery and monitoring.
- Applied project: Integrated assessment of a real exploration project.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Know the resources: Study polymetallic nodules, massive sulphides and ferromanganese crusts.
- Master the technology: Learn how exploration and extraction work thousands of metres down.
- Understand the law: Apply UNCLOS and ISA regulation.
- Assess the impact: Analyse the effects on deep-sea ecosystems.
- Bring sound judgement: Become an expert in a global debate of great significance.
- Training for professionals who need a deep understanding of deep-sea mining before making decisions.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Critical Minerals and the Context of Deep-Sea Mining
- Mineral demand for the energy transition
- Cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earths
- Land-based mining: impacts and geographical concentration
- History of seabed exploration
- Current state of exploration and contracts
- Players: states, companies, ISA, scientists and NGOs
- The moratorium and precautionary pause debate
- Alternatives: recycling and the circular economy
- Geopolitics of critical minerals
- Future scenarios
02
Geology and Mineral Resources of the Seabed
- Ocean geology and plate tectonics
- Polymetallic nodules: formation and distribution
- Seafloor massive sulphides at hydrothermal vents
- Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts
- The Clarion-Clipperton Zone and other key areas
- Estimating resources and reserves
- Sampling and geochemical analysis
- Geological mapping of the seabed
- Resource distribution models
- Mineral resource reporting standards
03
Ocean Exploration and Mapping Technologies
- Research and exploration vessels
- Multibeam echosounders and side-scan sonar
- Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
- Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Samplers, corers and grabs
- Underwater acoustic positioning
- Bathymetric data processing
- Underwater imaging and photogrammetry
- Planning exploration campaigns
- Managing and publishing scientific data
04
Extraction and Production Technologies
- Nodule collectors and pick-up systems
- Cutting tools for sulphides and crusts
- Lifting systems: risers and pumping
- Production vessels and their systems
- On-board separation and return water
- Managing sediment plumes
- Transporting ore to shore
- Metallurgical processing
- Pilot tests carried out
- Technology readiness and remaining challenges
05
The Law of the Sea and Seabed Governance
- The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Maritime zones: territorial sea, EEZ and continental shelf
- The Area and the common heritage of mankind
- The International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- Exploration regulations and contracts
- Negotiating the exploitation Mining Code
- Sponsoring states and their responsibilities
- Benefit sharing and the ISA Enterprise
- The BBNJ Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction
- National deep-sea mining legislation
06
Deep-Sea Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Features of abyssal ecosystems
- Fauna associated with nodules and hydrothermal vents
- Seabed microbiology
- Species connectivity and dispersal
- Slow recovery of habitats
- Unknown species and scientific gaps
- Ecosystem services of the deep ocean
- The seabed’s role in the carbon cycle
- Baseline studies
- Science and decision-making
07
Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring
- Direct impacts on the seabed
- Sediment plumes and their dispersal
- Noise, light and vibration
- Effects on the water column and fisheries
- Environmental impact assessment methodology
- Environmental management plans
- Impact reference and preservation reference zones
- Monitoring with sensors and vehicles
- Thresholds and criteria for serious harm
- The precautionary principle and adaptive management
08
Project Economics and Finance
- Metal markets and prices
- Exploration and production costs
- Comparison with land-based mining
- Proposed royalties and fiscal regime
- Financing and risk for pioneer projects
- Regulatory and reputational risk
- ESG criteria of investors and manufacturers
- Commitments by technology and car makers
- Project valuation
- Scenario analysis
09
Ethics, Society and Communication
- Environmental ethics and intergenerational justice
- Interests of developing and island states
- Civil society participation
- Industry arguments
- Arguments from the scientific and environmental community
- Transparency and access to information
- Communicating risk and uncertainty
- Conflict and international negotiation
- Traditional knowledge and cultural heritage
- Building consensus
10
Operational Safety and Offshore Project Management
- Safety of deep-water ships and operations
- Technical risk management
- Emergency plans and incident response
- Managing exploration projects
- Coordination with support vessels
- Logistics in remote areas
- Contractor management
- Quality and certification
- Managing scientific knowledge
- Lessons from the offshore industry
11
Master's Final Project: Integrated Assessment of a Deep-Sea Mining Project
- Choice of area and resource type
- Geological characterisation and resource estimate
- Proposed exploration and extraction technology
- Analysis of the applicable legal framework
- Environmental baseline study
- Impact assessment and management measures
- Economic and risk analysis
- Stakeholder analysis
- Conclusions and reasoned recommendation
- Writing the dissertation and defending it before a panel
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Mining, naval and ocean engineers: interested in deep-water extraction technology Marine scientists and geologists: working on exploration and environmental studies Lawyers and law of the sea specialists: advising governments, companies or organisations NGO and public administration professionals: involved in the debate and regulation Commodity and investment analysts: studying the supply
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Characterise marine mineral resources
- 02Understand the technology
- 03Apply the legal framework
- 04Assess environmental impact
- 05Analyse viability
- 06Make recommendations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine mineral resources analyst: Technical and economic assessment of deposits.
02Law of the sea specialist: Advising governments, international bodies and companies.
03Marine environmental impact consultant: Baseline studies and impact assessments.
04Ocean exploration technician: Campaigns with AUVs, ROVs and seabed mapping.
05Critical minerals analyst: Market and supply studies for industry.
06International organisation and NGO specialist: Contributing to ocean governance.
Questions
Entry Requirements
There are exploration contracts and pilot tests, while rules for commercial exploitation are still being negotiated. The programme analyses the current situation using data.
Neither. It sets out the technical, economic, legal and environmental arguments so that you can form your own view.
Yes. The law of the sea and governance modules are central, and the technical content is explained accessibly.
Yes. Two full modules are devoted to deep-sea ecosystems and impact assessment.
An integrated assessment of a real project with technical, legal, environmental and economic analysis.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 1500 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Master's in Deep-Sea Mining: Technology, Law and Environment qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/professional profile: A degree in mining, naval, ocean or environmental engineering, geology, marine science, biology or law; or proven professional experience in the maritime, mining or environmental sector. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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