The race for a net-zero future is a race for critical minerals. As the global energy transition accelerates, the deep sea has emerged as a vital yet complex resource frontier. The Marine Minerals Webinar Series is a premier, open-access platform designed to be knowledge driven. Our mission is to foster an informed, neutral dialogue connecting researchers, engineers, policy experts, and industry professionals.
By integrating cutting-edge research with operational experience, we map the "knowns and unknowns", providing the fundamental knowledge required to navigate the future of deep-sea exploration and exploitation. Attendees can expect a 360-degree perspective that bridges the gap between the technicalities of deep-sea deposits and the intricacies of international law and finance.
The webinar series is splitted into different core topics, with dedicated speakers, and will be promoted on this site.
Recordings of each webinar will be accesible under the menu tab "previous webinars".
Session 2: Seafloor Massive Sulphides: From Geological Discovery to Responsible Management
Seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits represent one of the most promising yet complex frontiers in marine mineral exploration. In this session, we will explore SMS—from the geological processes that form these deposits to the innovative methods required to extract them, and finally, to the strategies necessary for environmental impact and management.
Date: Friday, 8 May 2026
Time: 14:00-15:00 CET
Format: Two 20-minute expert talks followed by a 20-minute moderated (off-the-record) Q&A.
Featured speakers
Prof. Dr. Bramley J. Murton is Professor of Marine Geology at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, where he leads the UK’s research into deep-sea mineral resources. Bramley has over 30 years of experience in seafloor processes and mineral assessment. He is a recipient of the Geological Society’s 2019 Coke Medal. Bramley has authored key technical reports for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and serves as a policy advisor to the UK government on seabed mining. He has served as chief scientist for numerous national and international programmes, including Blue Mining, MarineE-Tech, Project ULTRA, and TRIDENT.
Dr. Sabine Gollner is a deep-sea benthic ecologist at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). Her research focuses on the diversity and resilience of hydrothermal vent fauna and ecosystem restoration following deep-sea mining. An experienced expedition leader, she bridges ecology and law to address challenges in ocean health. Sabine serves as a scientific advisor to the Netherlands delegation at the International Seabed Authority, co-leads the Minerals Working Group of the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, and is a member of the Netherlands Ocean Decade Committee.
Organizing team: Verena Hagspiel-Janssen (NTNU), Sabine Gollner (NIOZ), Pierre Josso (BGS), Bramley Murton (NOCS) and Bhargav Boddupalli (SINTEF).
