Photo 1 (IMAGE) Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Caption Hydrothermal vents on the seafloor support a rich diversity of life, and they contain deposits of valuable metals used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries. A new research paper looks at what is known about the vital microscopic life in these locations to evaluate the possible impacts of mining these and other deep-sea locations. Credit Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.