Background on the Issue
The United States, not being a part of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an organ under the United Nations with jurisdiction over the seabed in international waters, has taken a significant step towards large-scale deep-sea mining. This move, led by President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy and raised concerns from environmental organizations.
The Trump Administration’s Decision
On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to kickstart extensive deep-sea mining operations, including areas beyond U.S. jurisdiction and international waters. This decision challenges the ISA’s authority.
The order instructs the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to expedite the review and issuance of permits for exploration and extraction of minerals beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
Additionally, the order directs the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, to do the same for U.S. territorial waters.
A high-ranking U.S. official estimated that one billion metric tons of material could be extracted in a decade, highlighting the potential scale of this endeavor.
International Context and Criticism
The U.S. is not a signatory to the agreements that grant the ISA jurisdiction over the seabed in international waters. This non-participation has allowed the Trump administration to pursue deep-sea mining independently.
Jeff Watters, Vice President of Ocean Conservancy, warned in a statement that the U.S. government’s actions could pave the way for other countries to engage in international waters mining, potentially harming ocean ecosystems.
Although no commercial deep-sea mining projects have been executed, countries like Japan and the Cook Islands have already granted exploration permits within their exclusive economic zones.
Potential Impact and Controversy
The Trump administration believes deep-sea mining could create 100,000 jobs and boost the U.S. GDP by $300 billion in a decade, according to an official.
“We want the U.S. to lead in this field, ahead of China,” the official stated.
The mining targets polymetallic seafloor nodules, rich in minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper. These nodules also contain rare earth elements, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, smartphones, and computers.
Canadian company The Metals Company (TMC) announced its intention to operate outside the ISA and seek U.S. authorization for deep-sea mineral extraction.
Environmental Concerns
Emily Jeffers, a lawyer for the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed concern that Trump’s decision “exposes one of Earth’s most fragile and least understood ecosystems to uncontrolled industrial exploitation.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is deep-sea mining? Deep-sea mining involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor, primarily targeting polymetallic seafloor nodules rich in metals like manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper, as well as rare earth elements.
- Why is this a controversial issue? The potential environmental impact on fragile deep-sea ecosystems, lack of international consensus on regulations, and the untested commercial viability of deep-sea mining are key concerns.
- Which countries are involved in deep-sea mining? Several countries, including the U.S., Japan, and the Cook Islands, have shown interest in deep-sea mining, either independently or through participation in the ISA.
- What are the potential economic benefits? Proponents of deep-sea mining argue that it could create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the technology and clean energy sectors.
- What are the environmental risks? Critics warn that deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems, disrupt biodiversity, and release toxic substances.
