"These minerals are found so deep in the sea that they're beyond any single nation's national jurisdiction - which is why President Trump has sparked outrage over his efforts to bypass an international mining code. A chorus of scientists and ocean advocates warn that disturbing the deep seabed could trigger a chain of unforeseen consequences that could eventually harm coastal communities around the world. Those concerns have been enough to push some companies that might even benefit from a new source of these minerals - coveted for producing rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and all kinds of gadgets - to pledge not to use any of the materials sourced from the deep sea."
"The new rules the Trump administration announced would make it easier for American companies to start harvesting those minerals. Typically, they'd apply first for an exploration license that allows them to start surveying and studying a site. Then, they might move forward with a request for a commercial recovery permit. Now, they'll be able to apply for both at the same time. It also truncates the environmental review process, since the consolidated application could only require a single environmental impact statement."
Deep-sea polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, manganese and other battery minerals lie beyond national jurisdiction on the ocean floor. The administration implemented a consolidated permitting process that lets companies apply simultaneously for exploration and commercial recovery permits and may require only a single environmental impact statement, shortening review. Scientists and ocean advocates warn that disturbing the deep seabed could trigger unforeseen ecological consequences that may ultimately harm coastal communities. Some companies have pledged not to use materials sourced from the deep sea. The policy follows an executive order aimed at expediting licenses to counter China's influence over seabed mining.
Read at The Verge
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