Bending to industry, Donald Trump issues executive order to “expedite” deep sea mining
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Summary
Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at accelerating offshore mining for minerals used in rechargeable batteries, such as nickel, copper, cobalt, iron and manganese.
Critics warn that the move could harm marine life and coastal economies, and will bypass international negotiations on deep sea mining.
The US is yet to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established the International Seabed Authority to develop global rules for prospecting and mining on the ocean floor.
The Trump administration says the move is designed to counter China’s dominance of seabed mineral resources, but China described the order as violating international law.
No commercial mining operation has taken place in international waters, where depths reach 200 metres.