Trump proposes to initiate deep-sea mining, even in global waters.
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Headline: U.S. Sparks Deep-Sea Mining Race, Challenging Ocean Conservation
Donald Trump recently took a daring step, signaling a green light for large-scale mineral extraction in the deep oceans, even encroaching on international waters. This move questions the jurisdiction of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a body that theoretically rules the high seas.
The administration has ordered Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to hasten the review of applications and the issuance of exploration and extraction permits for minerals beyond U.S. borders. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has been directed to do the same for territorial waters.
With the U.S.'s ambitious plans, the country anticipates the collection of one billion tons of materials over the next ten years. Yet, the ISA, responsible for the seabed in international waters under agreements the U.S. hasn't ratified, faces a potential challenge.
The decree additionally urges Commerce Secretary Lutnick to prepare a report on the feasibility of a mechanism for sharing the proceeds from seabed mining. This move could open the door for other nations to emulate the U.S.'s lead.
Jeff Watters, Vice President of NGO Ocean Conservancy, voiced concerns, stating, "This could lead to negative consequences for us all, and for the oceans upon which we depend."
Polymetallic Nodules: The Treasure Below the Waves
So far, commercial deep-sea mining remains elusive, not just in the U.S., but globally. However, some countries like Japan and the Cook Islands have issued exploration permits within their exclusive economic zones.
Deep-sea mining, particularly of polymetallic nodules, holds the promise of providing vital minerals crucial for clean energy technologies. These rock-like formations on the seabed are rich in minerals like manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth metals, highly valued for electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and laptops.
The U.S., in search of securing its vital mineral supplies without overdependence on foreign adversaries, views deep-sea mining as an economic and national security imperative. The Canadian company, The Metals Company (TMC), announced its intention to bypass the ISA by seeking U.S. approval to exploit seabed minerals in 2025.
Despite the potential economic benefits, deep-sea mining is indexed by controversy due to its perceived threat to the marine ecosystem. Environmental organizations accuse it of wreaking havoc on deep-sea ecosystems, which are still not fully understood, and warn of the potential for irreversible damage to biodiversity.
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The International Quagmire: Unraveling the Complexities
The surge in interest in deep-sea mining underscores the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to govern this activity while ensuring the preservation of marine biodiversity.
- International Seabed Authority (ISA): The ISA, a UN-affiliated organization, regulates deep-sea mining in international waters under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, recent meetings have brought light to significant gaps in regulations and limited scientific data, leading to calls for a moratorium until a comprehensive framework is established[1][2].
- U.S. Position: The U.S., which hasn't ratified UNCLOS, may manage and access seabed minerals under its own laws, potentially challenging ISA's regulatory authority[3][4].
Controversy surrounds deep-sea mining due to its potential environmental impact, regulatory ambiguities, and the risk of bypassing international agreements, as demonstrated by The Metals Company's plans[2][3]. The lack of a unified regulatory framework and pressure for broader international cooperation intensifies[4].
- The US move towards large-scale mineral extraction in the deep oceans, including international waters, could present a challenge to the regulatory authority of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), as the US hasn't ratified the agreements governing the body's jurisdiction over the seabed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- The US's ambitious plans for deep-sea mining, particularly of polymetallic nodules, which are rich in minerals like manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth metals, could stir debates in the realm of environmental-science, as the scientific community lacks sufficient data on the potential impact of such exploitation on deep-sea ecosystems and the marine environment.
- The surge in interest in deep-sea mining, influenced by countries like Japan and the Cook Islands, highlights the importance of science and technology in assessing the feasibility of this activity, as well as the potential risks for biodiversity and the marine ecosystem.
- The international community, especially those involved in deep-sea mining, including the US, face a complex technological and environmental-science challenge, as they strive to balance resource extraction with ocean conservation, and to establish a robust regulatory framework for the activity, while minimizing potential damages to the environment.
