This workshop aims to discuss thoroughly state-of-the-art research on deep-sea hydrothermal systems on a global and regional perspective. Four thematic lines of intervention are being considered: geology, environment, biology, and policy. Each session will encompass short presentations [and a poster session] followed by thorough discussion. Inputs from these discussions would ultimately lead to the preparation of a workshop report. We see this as an excellent opportunity to gather researchers from different institutes that have been doing deep-sea research and to seriously debate what may, or may not be our ocean-mining future.