South Korea's Strategic Pursuit of Deep-Sea Minerals

South Korea is strategically expanding its deep-sea exploration to secure critical mineral supplies and diversify supply chains, driven by its status as a mineral-poor nation. The country actively engages with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and is developing its domestic legal framework for this emerging sector.

Dr. Elena Ortiz

October 1, 2026 · 4 min read

South Korea is actively expanding its deep-sea exploration efforts, driven by a strategic imperative to secure critical mineral supplies and diversify its supply chains. As a nation with limited domestic mineral resources, South Korea views deep-sea mining as a crucial avenue to support its industrial economy, which relies heavily on minerals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese.

This pursuit positions South Korea as a significant, though often discreet, player in the emerging deep-sea mining sector. Its strategy involves securing exploration contracts in international waters and engaging with global regulatory bodies like the International Seabed Authority (ISA), while also navigating its domestic legal framework for such activities.

South Korea's Deep-Sea Mining Ambitions: A Strategic Overview

The Republic of Korea has demonstrated a keen interest in deep-sea mining, particularly since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This long-standing ambition is rooted in the country's economic structure, which is heavily reliant on industrial conglomerates that require a steady supply of critical minerals. As a mineral-poor nation, South Korea has adopted a pragmatic strategy focused on diversifying its supply chains to ensure resource security.

This approach positions South Korea as an important, albeit discreet, participant in deep-sea mining research and development. The country's engagement in this sector is driven by concerns over resource security and geopolitical competition, leading to investments in an area that often remains out of public view, as reported by Earth Journalism Network. The strategic goal is to bolster its mineral independence and maintain its industrial competitiveness on a global scale.

Driving Forces: Critical Mineral Security and Supply Chain Diversification

South Korea's pursuit of deep-sea minerals is fundamentally driven by its need to secure critical mineral supplies for its industrial economy. Research by Raphael Deberdt and Hyeyoon Park, published in Mineral Economics, highlights that South Korea's strategy involves diversifying its supply chains rather than solely attempting to decouple from existing sources, such as those from China. This realistic approach acknowledges China's immense capacities while seeking to expand sourcing options through engagement with global mineral leaders, smaller African producers, and the potential development of deep-sea mining.

The ocean floor represents a vast, untapped reservoir of essential minerals. Estimates suggest that polymetallic nodules alone could contain approximately 21.1 billion dry metric tonnes, holding up to 600% of existing terrestrial cobalt reserves, 340% of nickel, 30% of copper, and over 100% of manganese terrestrial reserves. These figures underscore the immense potential of deep-sea resources for South Korea's long-term mineral security, despite the acknowledged technical challenges and environmental concerns associated with extraction at depths reaching up to 6,000 meters.

South Korea's Deep-Sea Mining Strategy at a Glance

Dimension	Finding
Strategic Drivers	South Korea pursues deep-sea mining to secure critical mineral supplies and diversify supply chains, driven by its status as a mineral-poor country. This strategy aligns with other countries aiming to diversify supply chains rather than solely decoupling from risky jurisdictions.
Exploration Areas	South Korea holds ISA exploration contracts in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific. These contracts are granted by the International Seabed Authority, which manages areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Targeted Minerals	The targeted minerals include polymetallic nodules in the CCZ, polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Western Pacific. These specific mineral types are associated with their respective exploration zones.
International Engagement	South Korea actively engages with the ISA through exploration contracts and cooperation agreements, such as the Deep-Sea Biobank initiative. The Deep-Sea Biobank initiative focuses on marine science, capacity development, and conservation.
Domestic Legal Status	There is no specific domestic law in South Korea for seabed mining in 'the Area' beyond national jurisdiction, despite historical interest and legislative attempts. The Republic of Korea has expressed interest in deep-sea mining since the UNCLOS adoption.