Wind and solar plants are set to replace coal and gas power stations, while electric cars oust petrol and diesel vehicles from our roads. But scientists warn there will be an environmental price to pay for this drive to create a world powered by green technology. Both elements are needed to make lightweight rechargeable batteries for electric cars and for storing power from wind and solar plants. These potato-sized globs of mineral are rich in copper, cobalt, manganese and other metals. According to the International Seabed Authority, some deposits contain millions of tonnes of cobalt, copper and manganese.

Source: The Guardian January 03, 2021 08:15 UTC