US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 24 to expedite deep-sea mining for minerals.
This move is intended “to counter China’s growing influence over seabed mineral resources,” the White House statement said.
“The Order establishes the US as a global leader in seabed mineral exploration and development both within and beyond national jurisdiction,” the White House statement added.
This order comes after Canada-based The Metals Company said that it would seek a commercial extraction permit for mining in international waters through a US subsidiary earlier this month.
Environmental Concerns Grow Stronger
While Trump’s administration pushes for US leadership in seabed mining, environmentalists have raised concerns about its long term impact. As cited by Associated Press, these concerns include potential damage to fisheries and ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Environmental groups are opposing the executive order claiming that it could “irreparably harm marine ecosystems” and neglects the ongoing process to adopt international rules for the practice.
According to CNBC, environmental campaign groups flagged that deep-sea mining cannot be done sustainability, making destruction of ecosystem and species extinction inevitable.
“We condemn this administration’s attempt to launch this destructive industry on the high seas in the Pacific by bypassing the United Nations process. This is an insult to multilateralism and a slap in the face to all the countries and millions of people around the world who oppose this dangerous industry,” said Arlo Hemphill, Project Lead on Greenpeace USA’s campaign to stop deep sea mining.
As reported by Associated Press, more than 30 countries, as well as fisheries trade groups, environmentalists and some auto and tech companies, have called for a moratorium on seabed mining.
“Scientists agree that deep-sea mining is a deeply dangerous endeavor for our ocean and all of us who depend on it,” Jeff Watters, Vice-President for External Affairs at the Ocean Conservancy told The Guardian.
“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,” added Watters.
The executive order directs the US Secretary of Commerce to “expedite the process for reviewing and issuing seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits in areas beyond national jurisdiction” within 60 days.
