The Seafloor Mineralization Working Group (SMWG) of the international non-profit organization InterRidge was formed is 2008 to address the issues surrounding the burgeoning interest in the mineral resources associated with hydrothermal vents found at the midocean ridge system. Following a successful workshop and colloquium on the issues surrounding deep sea mining at vent systems, the working group outlined some of the key science questions needed to better understand this complex system.