In late 2023, the U.S. State Department revealed that America's continental shelf has increased by 1 million square kilometers, allowing potential access to valuable ocean resources including hydrocarbons and minerals for electric-vehicle batteries. This expansion follows the Law of the Sea treaty, which allows nations to extend their continental shelves legally; however, the U.S. benefits from not ratifying the treaty, enabling it to extract resources without paying royalties. The mapping project leading to this announcement took 20 years and was spearheaded by oceanographer Larry Mayer, marking a significant strategic move for the U.S.
The U.S.'s continental shelf has grown by 1 million square kilometers, unlocking access to ocean riches, including vital minerals for electric-vehicle batteries.
The expansion reflects America’s strategic gaming of the international maritime system, as it benefits from resources without ratifying the Law of the Sea.
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