Environmental groups are opposing an executive order by Donald Trump that expedites deep-sea mining, fearing it will harm marine ecosystems and overlook ongoing efforts to establish international regulations. The order empowers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to accelerate permits for seabed mining in U.S. and international waters. This follows a request from the Canada-based Metals Company to mine valuable nodules in international waters, aiming to bolster U.S. critical mineral supplies. Environmentalists, however, warn of detrimental impacts on fisheries and the ocean's carbon absorption capabilities.
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.
Trump said his order establishes the US as a global leader in seabed mineral exploration and development both within and beyond national jurisdiction.
As always, we remain committed to acting in the best interests of our sponsoring states, partners, investors, and the planet, said Gerard Barron, the company's chairman and chief executive.
Scientists agree that deep-sea mining is a deeply dangerous endeavor for our ocean and all of us who depend on it.
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