Deep-Sea Rocks Spontaneously Combusted After Scientists Brought Them to the Surface

The emerging industry of deep-sea mining could end up in flames after researchers discovered that some rocks collected from the bottom of the ocean can heat up and even spontaneously combust once they’re brought to the surface and exposed to air.

In a recent paper published in Scientific Reports, researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) warn that some rocks containing deep-sea minerals may catch fire once at the surface. The findings highlight a potential hazard that needs to…