Latest news with #ClarionClippertonZone
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Nauru, Metals Company revise deep sea mining agreement
Nauru President David Adeang at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 25 August 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis Nauru has revised its commercial agreement with Canadian mining group The Metals Company for deep sea mining in international waters. The updated "sponsorship agreement" was announced in a press release from The Metals Company. It comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in the deep sea mining industry with both the US and International Seabed Authority (ISA) respectively stating each offers a licencing pathway to mine the seabed in international waters. Nauru president David Adeang said in the press release that The Metals Company has been a "trusted and respectful" partner to Nauru. "We have worked to establish a responsible pathway for deep sea mineral development, one that can serve for a model for other developing states." The area of international waters currently under the spotlight is the Clarion Clipperton Zone - a vast area of the Pacific Ocean that sits between Hawai'i, Kiribati and Mexico, and spans 4.5 million square kilometres. The zone is of high commercial interest because it has an abundance of polymetallic nodules that contain valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper, which are used to make products such as smartphones and electric batteries. The minerals are also used in weapons manufacturing. Nauru has special rights in the Clarion Clipperton Zone through the ISA, which under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has jurisdiction over it. Since 2011, Nauru has partnered with The Metals Company to explore its area of the zone for minerals through that framework. At the same time, the ISA - which counts all Pacific nations among its 169-strong membership - has been developing a commercial mining code. The process, which began in 2014 and is ongoing, has been criticised by The Metals Company as effectively blocking it and Nauru's commercial mining interests. The company has also praised the US deepsea mining licencing pathway , which was effectively reactivated through an executive order President Donald Trump issued in April. That legislation, the Deep Sea Hard Mineral Resources Act, states the US can grant mining permits in international waters. At face value, it offers an alternative licencing route to commercial seabed activity in the high seas to the ISA. However, any cross-over between jurisdictions and authorities remains untested. The Metals Company Photo: Facebook / The Metals Company In the press release from The Metals Company, its chief executive Gerard Barron made direct reference to Trump's order, titled 'Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources'. He said he was heartened by its call "for a joint assessment of a seabed benefit-sharing mechanism" and was certain that "big ocean states" like Nauru would continue to play a leading role in the deep sea mining industry. The company confirmed two weeks ago it would not be applying for a commercial mining license through the ISA in June. Instead, it has said it would apply exclusively apply through US regulations. No mention of that decision was made in the press release. "We remain unshakeable in our commitment to developing this project responsibly, transparently, and in a way that delivers real benefits to Nauruans," Barron said. ISA secretary general Leticia Carvalho has previously said the US had no authority to offer permits in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. "Circumventing the regulatory authority of the ISA not only breaches international law, but also erodes trust," Carvalho said. In addition to Nauru, Tonga, Kiribati and the Cook Islands have special rights in the Clarion Clipperton Zone through the ISA.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Nauru, Metals Company announce revised deep sea mining agreement
Nauru President David Adeang at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 25 August 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis Nauru has announced an update to its commercial agreement with Canadian mining group The Metals Company for deep sea mining in international waters. The updated "sponsorship agreement" was announced in a press release from The Metals Company. It comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in the deep sea mining industry with both the US and International Seabed Authority (ISA) respectively stating each offers a licencing pathway to mine the seabed in international waters. Nauru president David Adeang said in the press release that The Metals Company has been a "trusted and respectful" partner to Nauru. "We have worked to establish a responsible pathway for deep sea mineral development, one that can serve for a model for other developing states." The area of international waters currently under the spotlight is the Clarion Clipperton Zone - a vast area of the Pacific Ocean that sits between Hawai'i, Kiribati and Mexico, and spans 4.5 million square kilometres. The zone is of high commercial interest because it has an abundance of polymetallic nodules that contain valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper, which are used to make products such as smartphones and electric batteries. The minerals are also used in weapons manufacturing. Nauru has special rights in the Clarion Clipperton Zone through the ISA, which under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has jurisdiction over it. Since 2011, Nauru has partnered with The Metals Company to explore its area of the zone for minerals through that framework. At the same time, the ISA - which counts all Pacific nations among its 169-strong membership - has been developing a commercial mining code. The process, which began in 2014 and is ongoing, has been criticised by The Metals Company as effectively blocking it and Nauru's commercial mining interests. The company has also praised the US deepsea mining licencing pathway , which was effectively reactivated through an executive order President Donald Trump issued in April. That legislation, the Deep Sea Hard Mineral Resources Act, states the US can grant mining permits in international waters. At face value, it offers an alternative licencing route to commercial seabed activity in the high seas to the ISA. However, any cross-over between jurisdictions and authorities remains untested. The Metals Company Photo: Facebook / The Metals Company In the press release from The Metals Company, its chief executive Gerard Barron made direct reference to Trump's order, titled 'Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources'. He said he was heartened by its call "for a joint assessment of a seabed benefit-sharing mechanism" and was certain that "big ocean states" like Nauru would continue to play a leading role in the deep sea mining industry. The company confirmed two weeks ago it would not be applying for a commercial mining license through the ISA in June. Instead, it has said it would apply exclusively apply through US regulations. No mention of that decision was made in the press release. "We remain unshakeable in our commitment to developing this project responsibly, transparently, and in a way that delivers real benefits to Nauruans," Barron said. ISA secretary general Leticia Carvalho has previously said the US had no authority to offer permits in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. "Circumventing the regulatory authority of the ISA not only breaches international law, but also erodes trust," Carvalho said. In addition to Nauru, Tonga, Kiribati and the Cook Islands have special rights in the Clarion Clipperton Zone through the ISA.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Deep sea mining frontrunner set to sidestep UN oversight , pivots to US route
The Metals Company Photo: Facebook / The Metals Company Deep sea mining frontrunner The Metals Company (TMC) has confirmed it will not apply for a mining license through the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in June, instead it will exclusively apply through US regulations . It is unclear what this means for both Nauru and Tonga, who have sponsored TMC at the ISA. However, the firm's chief executive Gerard Barron said the company would still renew its subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources' (NORI) exploration licence. "We will be renewing that because NORI is in full compliance. There is no legal basis on which that licence cannot be renewed," he said during the company's first quarter update of 2025. TMC's mining application through US regulations was made possible through an executive order last month by President Donald Trump. The company's application covers 25,000 square kilometres in the Clarion Clipperton Zone - located in the international waters in north Pacific between Hawai'i and Mexico. Barron said the block was "not claimed by any other sovereign". "While there is an ability to lay claim over grounds currently under license through the ISA by other countries we made a deliberate plan not to do that." Barron added that Tonga and Nauru are supportive of TMC's moves. However, China's Ambassador to Nauru Lu Jin said that the US trampled on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by creating a mechanism to allow for deep sea mining outside of the ISA. During a meeting with Nauru's President David Adeang , Lu said China and Nauru should work together to safeguard Nauru's interests in deep sea mining, adding China would push the ISA to accelerate mining progress. Greenpeace activists protesting around MV Coco, a specialised vessel collecting data for The Metals Company in November 2023. Photo: Supplied / Greenpeace / Martin Katz Deep Sea Conservation Coalition's Phil McCabe said China's deep sea mining interest in the region is growing. "This is the third Pacific Island country that China has spoken to on deep sea mining and looking for greater cooperation with, following the Cook Islands sealed deal on cooperation and discussions with Kiribati as well." ISA secretary general Leticia Carvalho claimed the US had no authority to offer permits in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. "Circumventing the regulatory authority of the ISA not only breaches international law, but also erodes trust," Carvalho said. Carvalho said TMC had been "very pushy" on trying to get mining rules approved at the ISA, so the company pivoting to the US was "not completely unforeseen". "The new administration of the US aligns with a number of issues regarding employment generation, security, also regarding the fact that they're somehow behind China in possession of the minerals." Juressa Lee with Greenpeace Aotearoa said the Trump administration is acting outside of multilateralism. "This sets a very, very low bar and a terrible precedent for other countries, [ISA] member states and wannabe deep sea mining companies to follow." Despite criticism, TMC's share price has quadrupled since the beginning of this year. Barron believes the price was held back by a lack of a clear regulatory pathway, which he sees is now secure through the US regulations. "We believe this US-based pathway offers the greatest probability of receiving a commercial permit in a timely, transparent and legally robust manner, giving us clear line of sight to responsible commercial operations." Barron expects the commercial recovery permit to be deemed complaint prior to the end of June, TMC will then go through an environmental review if successful.
Sustainability Times
11-05-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Trump Declares Resource War': This Controversial Move to Mine the Ocean Floor Aims to Break China's 80% Resource Stranglehold
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Deep-sea mining offers access to valuable minerals critical for modern technology, but poses environmental risks. offers access to valuable minerals critical for modern technology, but poses environmental risks. 🌍 The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is rich in polymetallic nodules, a tempting alternative to land-based mining. is rich in polymetallic nodules, a tempting alternative to land-based mining. ⚖️ The U.S. aims to reduce China's dominance in the mineral sector, sparking geopolitical and ecological debates. in the mineral sector, sparking geopolitical and ecological debates. 🛑 Scientists urge caution as the International Seabed Authority prepares to finalize mining regulations in July 2025. The deep ocean has long remained an enigmatic and untapped frontier, holding within its depths vast reserves of minerals critical to modern technology. As global demand for these resources intensifies, the United States is considering ambitious plans to mine the ocean floor, potentially altering the strategic balance of mineral supply currently dominated by China. However, this endeavor presents not only economic opportunities but also significant environmental challenges and geopolitical implications. Exploring the Treasures Beneath the Waves Beneath the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, lie polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, and manganese. These minerals are essential for the production of electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies. The nodules have formed over millions of years, resting at depths exceeding 13,000 feet, creating a tantalizing resource for those daring enough to extract them. In addition to these nodules, the deep ocean harbors other mineral-rich deposits around hydrothermal vents and seamounts. These areas offer an alternative to terrestrial mining, which is becoming increasingly challenging and environmentally costly. However, the technological and financial hurdles of deep-sea mining are significant, requiring sophisticated remotely operated vehicles to carefully extract the nodules from the ocean floor. Despite the allure of these resources, the complexity and expense of deep-sea mining have, until recently, rendered it economically unviable. But with advancements in technology and increasing demand for these critical minerals, the United States is poised to challenge China's dominance in this sector, potentially reshaping the global supply chain. Ultra-Deep Geothermal Tech Poised to Disrupt Global Energy as It Taps Earth's Core to Outshine Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power A High Cost for Ocean Life While the extraction of ocean floor minerals promises economic benefits, it poses substantial risks to marine ecosystems. The process of deep-sea mining disrupts seafloor habitats and generates sediment plumes that can harm midwater zone ecosystems, crucial for the ocean's carbon cycle and commercial fisheries. These plumes can clog the gills of fish and block visual cues used by bioluminescent organisms, threatening the intricate balance of marine life. Research in areas like the Clarion-Clipperton Zone has shown that mining impacts can persist for decades, with significant effects on seabed fauna. Many species in these regions are newly discovered, and their loss could irreversibly diminish our understanding of marine biodiversity. The potential ecological damage underscores the need for caution in pursuing deep-sea mining. The debate continues as to whether the economic benefits justify the environmental risks. Scientists and conservationists advocate for stringent oversight and international cooperation to mitigate these impacts, ensuring the preservation of ocean ecosystems for future generations. 'More Powerful Than Bugatti': Mercedes Stuns the World by Unveiling 2,000-HP Electric Supercar That Redefines Speed and Power Breaking China's Grip on Mineral Treasure China currently dominates the global market for deep-sea minerals, accounting for the majority of production, processing, and manufacturing. This strategic advantage has prompted the United States to accelerate efforts to develop its own capabilities in ocean floor mining. The Trump administration has prioritized removing regulatory barriers and streamlining permits to facilitate this endeavor, arguing that securing domestic mineral resources is crucial for national security and technological advancement. However, this approach has sparked controversy, with critics warning that bypassing international regulations could lead to geopolitical tensions and environmental degradation. The push for resource independence must balance the need for economic competitiveness with responsible stewardship of marine environments. As the U.S. government and private sector forge ahead, the question remains whether the pursuit of these underwater treasures will lead to sustainable development or environmental catastrophe. 'Unbreakable Armor for Tomorrow's Nuclear Powerhouses' as Next-Gen Reactors Boast Cutting-Edge Shielding Design to Revolutionize Safety Standards Regulatory Bypasses and International Concerns In an effort to expedite ocean floor mining, President Trump signed an executive order bypassing the International Seabed Authority, the global body overseeing deep-sea mining. This decision has raised alarms among scientists and international observers, who fear it could undermine international law and escalate global conflict over these resources. Proponents of seabed mining argue that it is essential for energy security and economic growth, citing the vulnerabilities in current supply chains. Yet, opponents stress the unproven nature of the technology and the potential for significant ecological harm. They advocate for alternative strategies such as recycling and material innovation to reduce reliance on newly mined minerals. The debate over deep-sea mining reflects broader tensions between economic ambitions and environmental responsibility. As nations grapple with these challenges, the need for international cooperation and sustainable practices becomes increasingly urgent. July 2025: A Global Crossroads ▶ The upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority in July 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the future of deep-sea mining. With 32 countries supporting a moratorium on mining until more scientific understanding is gained, the world stands at a crossroads. The decisions made at this meeting could define the balance between economic development and environmental preservation for years to come. As scientists urge caution and international cooperation, the challenge lies in balancing the race for resources with the protection of one of Earth's largest and least understood ecosystems. Will humanity find a way to harness these underwater treasures without sacrificing the health of our oceans? Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
The National
09-05-2025
- Science
- The National
The controversial search for metals beneath the world's deepest ocean
US President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at kick-starting commercial deep-sea mining has sparked debate in environmental circles on what is the most appropriate next step. He is keen to search for metals used in renewable energy, batteries and computer microchips such as copper, cobalt, manganese and nickel. The mining could take place at depths of thousands of metres. The area most likely to be affected is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone − a six-million-square kilometre region of international waters in the eastern Pacific that boasts an abundance of mineral resources. Vancouver-based firm The Metals Company has in recent years signed multiple exploration contracts from parts of the CCZ. The company, regarded as being among the most likely to begin operations, saw its stock jump in value by more than 85 per cent last month. But if tractor-like machines moved along the seabed, what effects could there be on the unique and diverse fauna that lives in the murky depths thousands of metres below the surface? 'We don't yet fully understand what the impacts are likely to be,' said Prof Jon Copley, professor of ocean exploration and science communication at the University of Southampton in the UK. 'It could be comparable to the lowest-impact mining on land in terms of environmental impact, or less, or it could be that there's a risk of species extinctions. We don't yet know. That's why we need to do further research.' Some organisations, such as the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition − an alliance of more than 100 international organisations working to promote biodiversity conservation in the world's seas − are against all deep-sea mining and have warned of 'inevitable and permanent' damage if it took place. Matthew Gianni, the coalition's co-founder and political and policy adviser, said that some of the most precious minerals − called nodules − took 'millions of years to form'. 'Once they're taken out they're not going to grow back,' he said. '[Mining] would also disturb all the animals, the ecosystem, the community of organisms living around the nodules.' Previous research on the after-effects of small-scale disturbance from the 1990s demonstrated that impacts are long-lasting, according to Dr Matthias Haeckel, of Germany's GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. 'The oldest disturbance in the CCZ in the north-east Pacific is now almost 50 years old,' he said. This activity has left 'disturbance scars, which are clearly visible at the sea floor', added Dr Haeckel. However, since the scale of deep-sea mining associated with Mr Trump's executive order would be significantly larger, Dr Haeckel said 'larger-scale consequences can follow'. Despite the executive order, commercial deep-sea mining is not set to begin imminently and may not happen at all. Activities are governed by the International Seabed Authority, which developed from the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The US has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, but until recently had accepted it as what legal experts term customary international law, meaning that it would abide by it. About a quarter of the CCZ is of potential interest and, Prof Copley said, the ISA has set up nearly two million square kilometres of protected areas in 13 blocks. If the protected areas are, for example, representative of the wider area in terms of the species present, keeping them pristine could prevent extinctions. But Prof Copley said that significant research was needed to determine if this was the case. 'If commercial mining by The Metals Company goes ahead, I don't think that would have immediate catastrophic impacts. The risk is from cumulative regional-scale impacts,' Prof Copley said. This is why, he said, stepping away from the ISA framework would increase the risk of serious harm to seabed habitats, which already face pressures from climate change. The executive order has been described as 'a victory' for The Metals Company, which has been lobbying the Trump administration to allow to go-ahead for deep-sea mining. 'Ultimately, The Metals Company needs a commercial licence to be viable, that's why it's going to the US,' said Dr John Childs, who researches the politics of resource extraction at Lancaster University in the UK. Some reports have suggested that Mr Trump sees deep-sea mining – which has not yet happened on a large commercial scale – as something that could reduce the US's dependence on China for battery metals and rare earths. Beijing has said that Mr Trump's executive order violates international law. Dr David Santillo, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at the University of Exeter in the UK, said that deep-sea mining would be 'a really bad idea and terrible prospect'. 'If someone is saying the answer is to mine the deep sea bed, we're asking the wrong question,' he said. 'We have to take a step back and look at what we're using minerals for. 'The minerals in question are things that could have much more closed-loop systems for their management. We're still incredibly wasteful with minerals once we've finished with them. There's some recycling, but not something we've in any way reached peak on,' added Dr Santillo. More than 30 countries have declared their support for a moratorium or other restrictions that would, at least until further research is undertaken to understand the impacts, prevent operations from starting.
