The Biden administration's support of Trump's order aims to position the U.S. as a leader in seabed mineral exploration while facing criticism regarding legal implications and environmental safety.
Trump's Deep-Sea Mining Executive Order Sparks International Controversy
Trump's Deep-Sea Mining Executive Order Sparks International Controversy
Former President Trump's executive order to enhance deep-sea mining is challenged by China and environmentalists.
Trump has signed an executive order to expand deep-sea mining efforts both in U.S. waters and international waters, a move that has drawn severe backlash from China. The Chinese government has stated that the order "violates" international law and undermines the collective interests of the global community. The executive order, issued on Thursday, is part of Trump’s broader strategy to boost American access to critical minerals essential for sectors like aerospace, green technology, and healthcare.
The deep sea is believed to harbor vast reserves of polymetallic nodules, which are laden with valuable minerals such as cobalt and rare earths. These resources are critical for various industries, leading the U.S. administration to consider deep-sea mining as a significant economic opportunity. The executive order aims to position the United States as a leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration; however, it also seemingly sidesteps ongoing United Nations negotiations regarding the mining framework for international waters.
Countries including China have withheld permits for mining activities pending a global consensus on shared resource management. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry criticized the order, saying it violates international agreements, particularly given China's dominant status in the market for rare earths and critical metals. U.S. officials have expressed a desire to compete more aggressively in this resource arena, indicating potential economic gains of up to $300 billion over a decade from shallow and deep-sea mining projects.
In contrast, many governments in the EU and UK support a moratorium on deep-sea mining, insisting on further scientific research before moving forward. Environmental groups have raised alarms about the potential impact on marine ecosystems, arguing that deep-sea mining poses significant risks to ocean health. Jeff Watters, representing Ocean Conservancy, stressed that the aftermath of such mining operations could detrimentally affect marine life beyond just the ocean floor.
Despite concerns, one company, The Metals Company, is actively pursuing permits to initiate mining, with expectations to commence operations by year-end. However, this ambition faces skepticism given the unfolding debates around environmental preservation and sustainability. Experts point out that past experiments in deep-sea mining, conducted in the 1970s, revealed long-lasting damage to marine habitats, with some species failing to return years after sediment disturbances.
The complexities surrounding deep-sea mining highlight the intersection of economic development, environmental stewardship, and international law, as nations navigate the murky waters of resource exploitation in the world’s oceans.
The deep sea is believed to harbor vast reserves of polymetallic nodules, which are laden with valuable minerals such as cobalt and rare earths. These resources are critical for various industries, leading the U.S. administration to consider deep-sea mining as a significant economic opportunity. The executive order aims to position the United States as a leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration; however, it also seemingly sidesteps ongoing United Nations negotiations regarding the mining framework for international waters.
Countries including China have withheld permits for mining activities pending a global consensus on shared resource management. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry criticized the order, saying it violates international agreements, particularly given China's dominant status in the market for rare earths and critical metals. U.S. officials have expressed a desire to compete more aggressively in this resource arena, indicating potential economic gains of up to $300 billion over a decade from shallow and deep-sea mining projects.
In contrast, many governments in the EU and UK support a moratorium on deep-sea mining, insisting on further scientific research before moving forward. Environmental groups have raised alarms about the potential impact on marine ecosystems, arguing that deep-sea mining poses significant risks to ocean health. Jeff Watters, representing Ocean Conservancy, stressed that the aftermath of such mining operations could detrimentally affect marine life beyond just the ocean floor.
Despite concerns, one company, The Metals Company, is actively pursuing permits to initiate mining, with expectations to commence operations by year-end. However, this ambition faces skepticism given the unfolding debates around environmental preservation and sustainability. Experts point out that past experiments in deep-sea mining, conducted in the 1970s, revealed long-lasting damage to marine habitats, with some species failing to return years after sediment disturbances.
The complexities surrounding deep-sea mining highlight the intersection of economic development, environmental stewardship, and international law, as nations navigate the murky waters of resource exploitation in the world’s oceans.
