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Deep seabed

The vast, deep ocean floor, generally beyond the shallow coastal waters, as defined by existing U.S. law.

Outer Continental Shelf

The submerged land that extends seaward from the coastline, but is under U.S. jurisdiction, typically including areas explored for oil, gas, and other minerals.

Hardrock mineral

Solid mineral resources found beneath the ocean floor, such as metals or other non-fuel minerals, distinct from oil and gas.

Exploration

Activities undertaken to locate and assess the existence and characteristics of mineral deposits.

Commercial recovery

The actual process of extracting minerals from the deep seabed or Outer Continental Shelf for commercial purposes.

Sediment plumes

Clouds of disturbed sand, mud, and other particles that rise from the seabed during mining and can spread over wide areas, affecting marine life.

Carbon sequestration

The natural process by which the ocean absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate Earth's climate.