The debate over deep-sea mining has reignited after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April opening American seabeds to mineral extraction, drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists and foreign governments.
Trump defended the move, stating: “The United States has a core national security and economic interest in maintaining leadership in deep-sea science and technology and seabed mineral resources.”
China swiftly condemned the decision, labelling it a violation of international law that “harms the overall interests of the international community”.
Environmental groups and a growing coalition of nations have also called for a halt to deep-sea mining, citing insufficient scientific understanding of its impacts.
“Thirty-two countries to date are calling for a global moratorium, pause or ban on the industry at least until there is enough science… to determine whether deep seabed mining can be done without harming the marine environment and the necessary protective measures are in place,” said Jessica Battle, lead of the No Deep Seabed Mining Initiative with WWF.
Industry leaders, however, argue that years of research have provided enough data to proceed responsibly.
Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Company, asserted: “After 23 offshore campaigns, conducted in collaboration with many of the world’s leading marine research institutions and expert industry contractors, I can state with great certainty that we know enough to begin.”
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), which oversees mining regulations for 168 member states, remains divided, with no clear consensus on how or whether to proceed.
Sofia Tsenikli, campaign director of the Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition, highlighted the growing resistance: “In 2022, no countries were supporting a moratorium.
“Three years later, there are 32 countries supporting a moratorium, precautionary pause or ban.”
As the ISA continues to debate regulations and the US pushes forward, the future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain.
Industry proponents insist new technologies can minimise ecological harm, while opponents warn that the risks to marine ecosystems and global governance are too great to ignore.
