Trump moves forward with plans for seabed mining in global waters

US Set to Ignite Global Battle Over Seabed Mining in International Waters

Trump moves forward with plans for seabed mining in global waters

In a bold move, President Donald Trump has marked a significant milestone for the U.S. by mandating an escalated endeavor towards the mining of the ocean floor, a move that stands in stark opposition to the majority of worldwide nations. These nations view international waters as off-limits to such industrial activities.

The executive order, signed on a Thursday, aims to skirt around a decades-old treaty that has been endorsed by every notable coastal nation, barring the U.S. This order is yet another instance of the Trump administration disregarding international institutions, and it's predicted to stir up an uproar among America's adversaries and allies alike.

The order proclaims the U.S.'s intention to establish itself as a frontrunner in seabed mineral exploration and development, not only within but beyond national jurisdiction, according to the White House's statement.

Trump's order instructs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to speed up the issuance of permits for companies to commence mining operations in international and U.S. territorial waters. Areas of the ocean floor are covered in potato-like nodules containing metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, essential for advanced technologies that the U.S. considers vital for its economic and military security, but whose supply chains are mainly controlled by China.

However, no commercial-scale seabed mining has ever occurred. The technological challenges are daunting, and concerns regarding the environmental consequences remain serious. To address these concerns, in the 1990s, most nations agreed to join the independent International Seabed Authority (ISA) to govern mining in international waters. Since the U.S. didn't participate, the Trump administration is relying upon a 1980 law that empowers the federal government to grant seabed mining permits in international waters.

The ISA has experienced delays in setting up a regulatory framework for seabed mining. Consequently, Trump's executive order could pave the way for The Metals Company, a prominent seabed mining firm, to receive an expedited permit from the NOAA to commence mining for the first time. The company, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has already spent over $500 million on exploratory work.

With dreams of a production-ready boat and allied partnerships for mineral processing, The Metals Company's CEO, Gerard Barron, views the order as the missing permit necessary to initiate mining. However, environmental advocates question the urgency of seabed mining given current nickel and cobalt surpluses from traditional mining, and manufacturers' shifts towards battery designs that utilize other elements.

Academics have warned about the negative consequences mining could have on the fishing industry, oceanic food chains, and the ocean's role in absorbing carbon dioxide. However, projections of future demand for these metals remain optimistic. With the escalating trade war with China threatening American access to critical minerals, Trump's executive order could offer a lifeline for U.S. industrial growth and security.

Background Info

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) covers an ocean area half the size of the continental United States. It's located between Mexico and Hawaii and holds more nickel, cobalt, and manganese than all terrestrial reserves combined.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) was formed in the 1990s. It aims to govern mining in ocean waters beyond national jurisdiction. The U.S. has yet to join the ISA.
The U.S., under the Trump administration, could bypass international seabed mining regulations by operating under domestic regulations.
Various nations have urged the ISA to delay or implement a moratorium on seabed mining. Some automakers and tech companies have pledged not to use seabed minerals.
Fears about seabed mining's environmental impact concern diminishing fisheries and disrupting the ocean's role in absorbing carbon dioxide.
The ISA is scheduled to finalize regulations for commercial seabed mining during its 30th session in July 2025.

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an expansive area between Mexico and Hawaii, contains more manganese, nickel, and cobalt than all terrestrial reserves combined, raising the stakes in the environmental-science debate over seabed mining.
In a move that disregards the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a treaty-based international institution, the Trump administration is relying upon a 1980 law to grant domestic seabed mining permits, potentially paving the way for technological advancements in seabed mining via The Metals Company.
The CEO of The Metals Company, Gerard Barron, views the executive order as the necessary permit to initiate mining, which could bolster the average U.S. economy by addressing the escalating trade war with China over critical minerals like manganese.
Environmental scientists warn that seabed mining could lead to negative consequences, such as diminishing fisheries, disrupting the ocean's role in absorbing CO2, and raising concerns about the average being impacted by these decisions. The ISA's regulations for commercial seabed mining, slated for finalization in July 2025, will play a crucial role in addressing these concerns.