More than half of mollusk species inhabiting deep-sea hydrothermal vents face an elevated risk of extinction due to the expansion of deep-sea mining, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The conservation group issued a renewed call on Thursday for an immediate global moratorium on such mining activities ahead of United Nations-led negotiations scheduled for later this month.

Deep-sea mining involves extracting critical minerals like copper, cobalt, and zinc from the mineral-rich, superheated fluids emitted by underwater hydrothermal vents. These vents house unique mollusk species that, while representing less than 1 percent of the world’s mollusk biodiversity, are integral to the complex food webs sustaining these specialized ecosystems.

The IUCN’s latest update to its Red List of Threatened Species highlights that 125 out of 201 vent-dwelling mollusk species—approximately 62 percent—are now considered at risk of extinction, primarily due to habitat disruption from mining operations. The loss of these mollusks could have far-reaching consequences, as they support a broader range of vent-associated organisms.

“Deep-sea mining would smother the entire ecosystem,” said Chong Chen, a member of the IUCN’s Mollusc Specialist Group. Chen emphasized that the disappearance of mollusk species at any given vent site could lead to the collapse of the entire vent community, including non-mollusk species that rely on these habitats.

Despite the growing interest from commercial entities in exploiting these subsea resources for use in electronics and renewable energy technologies, conservationists warn that the ecological costs could be irreversible. The IUCN’s recommendation for a moratorium aims to allow more time for scientific assessment and the development of regulatory frameworks to mitigate environmental damage.

With multiple companies ramping up exploration and extraction efforts, the environmental impact of deep-sea mining remains a pressing concern for marine biologists, policy makers, and international regulatory bodies alike. The forthcoming UN talks will be critical in determining whether protective measures will be implemented to preserve these vulnerable deep-ocean ecosystems.