B.4.1 Exploitation of Abiotic Resources Notes

Growing Demand for Minerals, Oil, and Gas

1. Imagine standing in the heart of a bustling city, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the hum of vehicles, and the glow of countless electronic screens.
2. Have you ever paused to consider what powers this modern world? From the fuel in cars to the rare metals in your smartphone, much of it is drawn from the Earth’s finite resources, minerals, oil, and gas.
3. The growing demand for these resources directly affects oceans.

Causes of Growing Demand for Minerals, Oil, and Gas

Rising Energy Needs

1. As the global population grows, economies develop, and technologies change energy consumption is climbing to unprecedented levels.
2. Emerging economies like India and China are experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to a heightened reliance on oil and gas for transportation, electricity, and manufacturing.
3. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global energy demand will increase by 30% by 2040, with much of this growth driven by developing nations.
4. Fossil fuels like oil and natural gas still supply over 80% of the world’s energy needs. This dependency drives the continuous search for new reserves, particularly in resource-rich regions such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Persian Gulf.

Technological Advancements

1. Advances in technology are reshaping how resources are accessed.
2. In the past, many mineral deposits or oil reserves were deemed too difficult or costly to extract.
3. However, innovations in drilling, mining, and deep-sea exploration have made it possible to access resources once thought unreachable.
4. For example, deep-sea mining technologies now allow companies to explore the ocean floor for valuable minerals like manganese, cobalt, and gold.
5. Similarly, hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as fracking) has unlocked vast reserves of natural gas trapped in shale formations.
6. Methane hydrates, found on continental slopes, are another potential energy source, with reserves that could surpass all known fossil fuel deposits combined.

Deep-Sea Mining Potential

1. Beneath the ocean lies a wealth of untapped resources. Manganese nodules, cobalt crusts, and black smokers (mineral-rich hydrothermal vents) are found at depths of 4,000–6,000 meters.
2. These resources are particularly valuable for industries like electronics and renewable energy.
3. For instance, cobalt is an essential material in batteries for electric vehicles.
4. Countries and corporations are racing to secure exploration licenses from the International Seabed Authority.