WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is making a bold move to establish itself as a dominant player in the burgeoning field of deep-sea mining,triggering a mix of excitement,apprehension,and international discord. A recent executive order aims to accelerate the exploration and extraction of critical minerals from the ocean floor, both within U.S. waters and beyond.

The executive order was issued to “establish the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration,” according to the White House. The push for deep-sea mining comes as the U.S.seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers, especially China, for rare earths and other critical metals essential for technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defense applications.

Bypassing UN Negotiations

The U.S. initiative appears to sidestep ongoing negotiations within the United Nations regarding the regulation of mining activities in international waters. Many nations have been hesitant to issue permits until a thorough framework is established for the equitable distribution of resources and the protection of marine environments.

China, a major player in the global rare earths market, has expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. approach. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday that “The US authorisation… violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community.”

currently, China dominates global production of rare earths and critical metals like cobalt and lithium. U.S. officials have voiced concerns about this dependency. One U.S. official stated on Thursday, “We want the US to get ahead of China in this resource space under the ocean, on the ocean bottom.”

Economic Promises vs. Environmental Concerns

The U.S. management projects that deep-sea mining could considerably boost the nation’s economy. The order says the US will speed up the process of issuing exploration licences and recovery permits both in its own waters and in “areas beyond national jurisdiction.”

The administration estimates that deep-sea mining could boost the country’s GDP by $300bn over 10 years and create 100,000 jobs. These projections are based on the potential to extract vast quantities of valuable minerals from polymetallic nodules, seafloor massive sulfides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.

However, the potential economic benefits are weighed against serious environmental concerns. The EU, the UK and others support a moratorium on the practice until further scientific research is carried out.

environmentalists and scientists are concerned that marine species living in the deep sea could be harmed by the process. “Deep-sea mining is a deeply perilous endeavour for our ocean,” said Jeff Watters of Ocean Conservancy,a US-based environmental group. “The harm caused by deep-sea mining isn’t restricted to the ocean floor: it will impact the entire water column, top to bottom, and everyone and everything relying on it,” he added in a statement released on Friday.

A recent paper published by the Natural History Museum and the National Oceanography Center looked at the long term impacts of deep sea mining from a test carried out in the 1970s. It concluded that some sediment-dwelling creatures were able to recolonise the site and recover from the test, but larger animals appeared not to have returned.

The scientists concluded this could have been because there were no more nodules for them to live on. The polymetallic nodules where the minerals are found take millions of years to form and therefore cannot easily be replaced.

The Metals Company and the Race to the Bottom

It is not clear how quickly deep-sea mining could begin, but one mining company, The Metals Company (TMC), is already in discussions wiht the US government to obtain permits. TMC’s CEO Gerard Barron has previously said he hopes to begin mining by the end of the year. Along with others in the mining industry, he disputes the environmental claims made and has argued that the abyssal zone – 3,000m to 6,000m below sea level – has very low concentrations of life.

“Hear there’s zero flora. And if we measure the amount of fauna [animal life], in the form of biomass, there is around 10g per square meter. That compares with more than 30kg of biomass where the world is pushing more nickel extraction, wich is our equatorial rainforests,” he previously told the BBC.

Though, this argument is countered by marine biologists who emphasize the unique and poorly understood ecosystems of the deep sea, including specialized species adapted to extreme pressure, darkness, and limited food sources. Furthermore, the plumes of sediment stirred up by mining operations could smother filter feeders and disrupt food chains over vast areas.

Counterargument: Can Deep-Sea Mining Be Sustainable?

While environmental concerns are paramount,proponents of deep-sea mining argue that it can be conducted sustainably with proper regulation and technological advancements. They contend that sourcing minerals from the deep sea could be less environmentally damaging than traditional land-based mining, which often involves deforestation, habitat destruction, and significant pollution.

The key lies in developing mining techniques that minimize sediment plumes, avoid sensitive habitats, and ensure the responsible disposal of waste. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies are also crucial to mitigate unforeseen impacts.

FAQ: Deep-Sea Mining

What is deep-sea mining?

Deep-sea mining is the process of extracting mineral deposits from the ocean floor, typically at depths of 200 meters or more.

Why is there interest in deep-sea mining?

It offers access to valuable minerals, such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, used in batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.

What are the potential environmental impacts?

Disturbance of deep-sea ecosystems, release of sediment plumes, and potential harm to unique marine life are major concerns.

Is deep-sea mining currently regulated?

International regulations are still under advancement, leading to debates over environmental standards and resource management.

Which countries are involved in deep-sea mining exploration?

China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and several European nations are actively exploring deep-sea mining opportunities.