Former President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a new executive order aimed at increasing deep-sea mining operations in both U.S. waters and international territories. This order, issued on Thursday, is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to secure mineral access critical for industries including aerospace, renewable technologies, and healthcare. The deep ocean teems with billions of tonnes of polymetallic nodules, which are rich in essential minerals such as cobalt and rare earth elements.
Trump's Executive Order on Deep-Sea Mining Provokes Controversy
Trump's Executive Order on Deep-Sea Mining Provokes Controversy
Trump's recent signing of an executive order to enhance deep-sea mining has ignited a heated debate surrounding environmental concerns and global resource competition.
With a view to positioning the U.S. as a global leader in responsible seabed mining, the executive order has quickly faced backlash from several nations and environmental organizations that argue against mining in international waters without thorough scientific exploration and assessments. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry condemned the order, stating it violates international law and poses risks to the global community, as China currently leads in production of rare earths and critical metals.
The U.S. administration, however, sees mining as a pathway to diminish dependence on foreign resources, particularly from China. A government official expressed the desire for the U.S. to advance in underwater resource acquisition. The executive order aims to expedite the licensing process for exploration and recovery in U.S. waters and “areas beyond national jurisdiction.”
Estimates suggest that deep-sea mining could add approximately $300 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade and generate about 100,000 jobs. Nonetheless, various parties including the EU and UK advocate for a moratorium, highlighting the potential ecological risks posed to previously undiscovered deep-sea life. Environmental advocates such as Jeff Watters from Ocean Conservancy warn that mining could disrupt not only the ocean bed but also impact the entire marine ecosystem.
While the timeline for beginning deep-sea mining remains uncertain, The Metals Company (TMC) has already sought permits for operations in international waters, with its CEO expressing hope to commence mining activities by year-end. TMC argues that deep-sea environments feature limited biodiversity, thereby lessening ecological concerns, contrasting with the critical habitats of terrestrial rainforests.
The U.S. administration, however, sees mining as a pathway to diminish dependence on foreign resources, particularly from China. A government official expressed the desire for the U.S. to advance in underwater resource acquisition. The executive order aims to expedite the licensing process for exploration and recovery in U.S. waters and “areas beyond national jurisdiction.”
Estimates suggest that deep-sea mining could add approximately $300 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade and generate about 100,000 jobs. Nonetheless, various parties including the EU and UK advocate for a moratorium, highlighting the potential ecological risks posed to previously undiscovered deep-sea life. Environmental advocates such as Jeff Watters from Ocean Conservancy warn that mining could disrupt not only the ocean bed but also impact the entire marine ecosystem.
While the timeline for beginning deep-sea mining remains uncertain, The Metals Company (TMC) has already sought permits for operations in international waters, with its CEO expressing hope to commence mining activities by year-end. TMC argues that deep-sea environments feature limited biodiversity, thereby lessening ecological concerns, contrasting with the critical habitats of terrestrial rainforests.
