The Trump administration seeks to expedite deep sea mining within US and international waters, potentially neglecting international regulatory frameworks. An executive order aims to allow faster licensing for companies to mine critical minerals necessary for rechargeable batteries. Critics argue that bypassing the International Seabed Authority's processes undermines international agreements and could harm marine ecosystems. The U.S. has not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs these activities, while the order reflects a desire to limit China's influence over seabed resources.
Fast-tracking deep-sea mining by bypassing the ISA's global regulatory processes would set a dangerous precedent and would be a violation of customary international law.
The executive order Trump signed directs federal agencies to expedite the process for issuing licenses to companies seeking to recover minerals "in areas beyond national jurisdiction."
The Trump administration wants to work with industry "to counter China's growing influence over seabed mineral resources," the executive order says.
More than 160 nations have ratified the convention, but the United States has not.
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