# Spontaneous combustion risk in deep-sea minerals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spontaneous-combustion-risk-in-deep-sea-minerals > Updated: 2026-10-15T21:30:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have identified a spontaneous combustion risk associated with deep-sea minerals. During laboratory analysis of 57 samples retrieved from the Escanaba Trough in the northeast Pacific Ocean, two samples ignited and reached temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius after undergoing processes such as freeze-drying, crushing, or grinding. The study, published in Scientific Reports, identified nanocrystalline marcasite—an iron sulfide mineral—as the primary cause. The mineral reacts with oxygen to release heat, which can accumulate and trigger combustion when physical stressors are applied. These findings highlight potential fire hazards for vessels and facilities involved in the emerging deep-sea mining industry. The Escanaba Trough, located along the Gorda Ridge, is a significant area of interest for the extraction of metals including zinc, copper, and iron. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Deep-sea mineral samples spontaneously combust in laboratory tests USGS researchers found that deep-sea rocks containing nanocrystalline marcasite can spontaneously combust when exposed to oxygen, posing risks for future deep-sea mining operations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deep-sea-mineral-samples-spontaneously-combust-in-laboratory-tests ### 2026-10-11: Deep-sea mineral samples spontaneously ignite in laboratory tests Deep-sea mineral samples from the Pacific Ocean's Escanaba Trough spontaneously ignited in a lab, revealing fire risks for the deep-sea mining industry due to the oxidation of iron sulfide minerals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deep-sea-mineral-samples-spontaneously-ignite-in-laboratory-tests --- Cite as: Spontaneous combustion risk in deep-sea minerals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spontaneous-combustion-risk-in-deep-sea-minerals