Technology Opens Promise, Perils Of Ocean Mining

The species there may tell us more about the origins of life of earth, and even what life elsewhere might look like, Rona said. Already, he said, the species there have been a benefit. For instance, an enzyme from microbes found there is being used to enhance the flow of oil extracted from deep reservoirs.

"The mining needs to go forward, the environments need to be sustained and conserved," Rona said. "That's a challenge, but it's doable."