The talk will cover the following topics: - Introduction to deep-sea biology (oceanography, ecology, biodiversity); - What are ocean minerals? (types, history/summary of scientific knowledge about them); - Human interest in ocean minerals (history of interest, proposed applications, methods of extraction, management of resources); - Potential environmental and social impacts of ocean mineral extraction; - Do we need deep-sea minerals? (mineral supply and demand and the development of technology); - A way forward (drafting of regulations and reaching consensus).