UPSC Civil Services Model Paper 4

It is mined on a deep-sea surface. So, the question of deforestation does not arise. So, statement 3 is NOT correct.
It does not result in the release of CO from sea beds. Some studies indicate that stored methane may be released on mining. So, statement 2 is also NOT correct.
Polymetallic nodules (manganese nodules) are rock concretions on the sea bottom formed of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides around acore.
It mainly contains manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper.
Nodule mining could affect tens of thousands of square kilometers of deep-sea ecosystems.
Nodule regrowth takes decades to millions of years and that would make such mining an unsustainable and nonrenewable practice.
Any prediction about the effects of mining is extremely uncertain. Thus, nodule mining could cause habitat alteration, direct mortality of benthic creatures(living near sea bed), or suspension of sediment, which can smother filter feeders (suspension-feeding animals).
Future environmental impact studies should address the impact on disruption and release of methane clathrate deposits in the deep oceans.