A new report into deep sea mining found more research is needed to fully address all perceived environmental and social concerns.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has just released a report into deep sea mining.
Ocean mining is capturing the interest of several companies, as land resources become depleted.
A company, Nautilus Minerals, has recently studied the ocean floor off Papua New Guinea and is starting explorations off Tonga.
The organisation's researcher, Naomi Boughen, says there are a number of areas that need clarification before deep sea mining operations should start.
"The key concern of stakeholders was around environmental impact and the lack of information that we do have on those environmental impacts. We do need to build an information base around four areas including environment, geology, technology, enhancing communication between stakeholders."
Naomi Boughen says this will give a better understanding of deep-sea mining and its impact on the environment.
