The UN's International Seabed Authority (ISA) is working on global rules covering sea bed mining, which is not allowed until the regulations are finalised.
CSIRO together with the Science and Industry Endowment Fund, the University of Western Australia and Curtin University just opened a Geoscience Drill Core Research Laboratory.
Copper prices are due to extend their decline next year from record levels touched in 2021 as mine supply ramps up and economic growth tapers in top market China.