Latest news with #DeepSeabedHardMineralResourcesAct
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands environment group calls on govt to speak out against US Trump's deep seabed mining order
By Losirene Lacanivalu , Cook Islands News Hundreds of people peacefully rallied at sea in Rarotonga to protect the ocean from seabed activities in August 2024. Photo: Supplied / Ocean Ancestors Cook Islands' leading environmental lobby group is hoping that the Cook Islands government will speak out against the recent executive order from United States President Donald Trump aimed at fast-tracking seabed mining. Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) says the arrogance of US president Trump to think that he can break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters is "astounding", and an action of a "bully." Trump signed the Unleashing America's offshore critical minerals and resources order late last month, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to allow permitting for deep sea mining. The order states, "It is the policy of the US to advance United States leadership in seabed mineral development." NOAA has been directed to, within 60 days, "expedite the process for reviewing and issuing seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act." It directs the US science and environmental agency to expedite permits for companies to mine the ocean floor in the US and international waters. In addition, a Canadian mining company - The Metals Company has indicated that they have applied for a permit from Trump's administration to start commercially mining in international waters. The mining company had been unsuccessful in gaining a commercial mining licence through the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Te Ipukarea Society's technical director Kelvin Passfield told Cook Islands News , "The arrogance of Donald Trump to think that he can break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters is astounding. "The United States cannot pick and choose which aspects of the United Nations Law of the Sea it will follow, and which ones it will ignore. This is the action of a bully." "It is reckless and completely dismissive of the international rule of law. At the moment we have 169 countries, plus the European Union, all recognising international law under the International Seabed Authority. "For one country to start making new international rules for themselves is a dangerous notion, especially if it leads to other States thinking they too can also breach international law with no consequences," he said. TIS president June Hosking says that the fact that a part of the Pacific (CCZ) was carved up and shared between nations all over the world is yet another example of 'blatantly disregarding or overriding indigenous rights'. "I can understand why something had to be done to protect the high seas from rogues having a 'free for all', but it should have been Pacific indigenous and first nations groups, within and bordering the Pacific, who decided what happened to the high seas. "That's the first nations groups, not for example, the USA as it is today." President Trump signs a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House on 17 April 2025 in Washington. Photo: AFP / Win MCNAMEE Hosking highlighted that at the March International Seabed Authority (ISA) assembly that she attended it was obvious that South American countries are worried. "Many have called for a moratorium. Portugal rightly pointed out that we were all there, at great cost, just for a commercial activity. The delegate said, 'We must ask ourselves how does this really benefit all of humankind?' Looking at The Metals Company's interests to commercially mine in international waters, Hosking said, "I couldn't help being annoyed that all this talk assumes mining will happen. "ISA was formed at a time when things were assumed about the deep sea e.g. it's just a desert down there, nothing was known for sure, we didn't speak of climate crisis, waste crisis and other crises now evident. "The ISA mandate is 'to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from the harmful effects that may arise from deep seabed related activities. "We know much more (but still not enough) to consider that effective protection of the marine environment may require it to be declared a 'no go zone', to be left untouched for the good of humankind," she added. Meanwhile, technical director Passfield also added, "The audacity of The Metals Company (TMC) to think they can flaunt international law in order to get an illegal mining licence from the United States to start seabed mining in international waters is a sad reflection of the morality of Gerard Barron and others in charge of TMC. "If the USA is allowed to authorise mining in international waters under a domestic US law, what is stopping any other country in the world from enacting legislation and doing the same? He said that while the Metals Company may be frustrated at the amount of time that the International Seabed Authority is taking to finalise mining rules for deep seabed mining, "we are sure they fully understand that this is for good reason. The potentially disastrous impacts of mining our deep ocean seabed need to be better understood, and this takes time." He said that technology and infrastructure to mine is not in place yet. "We need to take as much time as we need to ensure that if mining proceeds, it does not cause serious damage to our ocean. Their attempts to rush the process are selfish, greedy, and driven purely by a desire to profit at any cost to the environment. "We hope that the Cook Islands Government speaks out against this abuse of international law by the United States." Cook Islands News has reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister and Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) for comment.
The Market Online
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
The Metals Company makes first move to mine US seabed
A subsidiary of The Metals Company (NASDAQ:TMC), developer of the world's largest estimated resource of critical metals, has submitted pioneering applications to mine the United States seabed The company is targeting resources estimated at 15.5 million tons of nickel, 12.8 million tons of copper, 2 million tons of cobalt and 345 million tons of manganese The Metals Company explores for lower-impact critical metals from seafloor polymetallic nodules to supply the infrastructure, power generation, transmission and battery industries The Metals Company stock has given back over 67 per cent since inception in 2021 A subsidiary of The Metals Company (NASDAQ:TMC), developer of the world's largest estimated resource of critical metals, has submitted pioneering applications to mine the United States seabed. If successful, the company will receive a commercial recovery permit and two exploration licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), allowing it to capitalize on US President Trump's recent executive order to fast-track domestic critical mineral production. The commercial permit covers 25,160 square-kilometers, including areas encompassing The Metals Company's indicated and measured resources in the Clarion Clipperton Zone about 1,300 nautical miles south of San Diego. The exploration licenses cover an area of 199,895 square kilometers the company believes to contain SEC SK 1300-compliant resources of about 15.5 million tons of nickel, 12.8 million tons of copper, 2 million tons of cobalt and 345 million tons of manganese. According to Wednesday's news release, the applications are supported by 'over a decade of scientific research, environmental data collection and proven offshore engineering by the company and its partners,' laying a high-conviction foundation for deep-sea critical metals development. The company sees the DSHMRA supporting 'an emerging industrial ecosystem expected to mobilize tens of billions of dollars in private-sector investment across US shipbuilding, port infrastructure, minerals processing and manufacturing,' the release goes on to state. The NOAA's initial determinations on the company's exploration and commercial applications are expected within 30 days and 60 days of receipt, respectively. Leadership insights 'Today marks a major step forward—not just for subsidiary TMC USA, but for America's mineral independence and industrial resurgence,' Gerard Barron, The Metals Company's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. 'With these applications, we are offering the United States a shovel-ready path to new and abundant supplies of nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese—critical metals for energy, infrastructure and defense. After continuous delay at the international level, the United States now has a clear opportunity to reclaim its leadership role in the deep sea and set a global standard for responsible, science-based deep-seabed resource development.' 'We have invested over a half a billion dollars and have spent more than a decade preparing for this moment, investing in deep-sea science, engineering and technology to build the world's most advanced deep-sea minerals platform,' Barron added. 'With strong support from Washington and a stable, enforceable US regulatory pathway, we look forward to delivering the world's first commercial nodule project—responsibly, transparently and economically—and to helping power a new era of American industrial strength.' The Metals Company explores for lower-impact critical metals from seafloor polymetallic nodules to supply the infrastructure, power generation, transmission and battery industries, with the goal of making a net positive impact compared to conventional production methods. The Metals Company stock (NASDAQ:TMC) is down by 6.12 per cent trading at US$3.08 per share as of 11:02 am ET. The stock has given back over 67 per cent since inception in 2021. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this seabed mining stock on The Metals Company Inc. Bullboard and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here. (Top photo of The Metals Company's exploration vessel, the Maersk Launcher: The Metals Company)
Axios
28-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
UN group fires back over Trump's deep-sea mining plan
The U.N.-affiliated body that governs the seabed in international waters came out swinging — by diplo-speak standards — against White House efforts to spur deep-sea mineral mining. Why it matters: The International Seabed Authority's statement circulated Saturday is a fresh sign of geopolitical and legal conflict that could greet new commercial efforts outside its purview. Driving the news: " Any endeavor undertaken outside the recognized and consensual international framework, or in an attempt to circumvent international law, may incur legal, diplomatic, economic, security, financial and reputational risks," the group said. It adds that "circumventing" the ISA's regulatory authority would breach international law and "silence" the voices of poor and developing nations. The big picture: The ISA, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, is tasked with overseeing deep-sea mineral harvesting in international waters. But long-delayed regulations have yet to be completed. The U.S. has never ratified the treaty but has historically participated as an observer. Deep-sea regions could hold major deposits of manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt bound up in nodules. But many scientists fear major damage to fragile ecosystems and species. Catch up quick: The weekend statement adds to criticism of President Trump's executive order last Thursday. China, a dominant player in mineral supply chains, called the U.S. move a violation of international law. The country holds five ISA exploration licenses. No country or company has begun commercial extraction of mineral-rich nodules. The other side: The White House order's section on international waters cites authority under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. It also envisions regulating exploration and extraction in U.S. waters under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. But the industry's greatest focus to date has been in remote international tracts. "Both of these laws require comprehensive environmental impact assessments and compliance with strong environmental protection standards," Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, tells the NYT. What we're watching: Center for Strategic and International Studies analysts have a lucid primer on the whole topic and White House moves.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump signs executive order to expedite seabed mineral exploration
US President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order to expedite the exploration and development of seabed minerals. The order mandates rapid development of US capabilities in the exploration, characterisation, collection and processing of critical deep seabed minerals to bolster domestic supply chains and reduce dependency on foreign resources. It aims to establish the US as a global leader in seabed mineral exploration and development within and beyond national jurisdiction. The directive also seeks to strengthen partnerships with allies and industry to counter China's influence in the seabed mineral resource space. The order stated: 'The US faces unprecedented economic and national security challenges in securing reliable supplies of critical minerals independent of foreign adversary control. Vast offshore seabed areas hold critical minerals and energy resources. 'These resources are key to strengthening our economy, securing our energy future and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical minerals.' The order instructs the secretary of commerce to expedite the process for reviewing and issuing exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act within 60 days of the order execution. The order also directs the secretary of commerce, along with the secretary of the interior and the secretary of energy, to provide a report identifying private sector interest and opportunities for seabed mineral exploration, mining and monitoring in the US Outer Continental Shelf. Additionally, it calls for the development of a plan to map priority areas of the seabed to accelerate data collection. The secretaries of commerce, state, interior and energy are tasked with engaging partners and allies for seabed mineral exploration and assessing the feasibility of an international seabed benefit-sharing mechanism. Moreover, the secretaries of defense and energy are to provide a report addressing the feasibility of using the National Defense Stockpile for nodule-derived minerals. The US International Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank of the US and the US Trade and Development Agency are directed to identify tools to support domestic and international seabed mineral resource exploration and environmental monitoring. Proponents of deep-sea mining noted that it could reduce the necessity for extensive land-based mining operations, which frequently face opposition from local communities, Reuters reported. However, environmental organisations are urging a complete ban on all activities, cautioning that industrial operations on the ocean floor may lead to irreversible loss of biodiversity. Earlier this month, Trump signed executive orders to increase US coal production, defying international efforts to reduce carbon emissions. "Trump signs executive order to expedite seabed mineral exploration" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Euronews
25-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Trump moves to start deep-sea mining in international waters
ADVERTISEMENT Although expected, Trump's executive order on 'unleashing' America's offshore critical minerals and resources means the US is poised to extend the global scramble for critical minerals like lithium and rare earth metals to the high seas, while the majority of countries are still negotiating rules on how to ensure mining is done safely and without potentially massive environmental destruction. 'The United States faces unprecedented economic and national security challenges in securing reliable supplies of critical minerals independent of foreign adversary control,' runs the preamble to the president's 139th executive order since taking office in January. China is specifically named later in the document. The order , published on Thursday, requires government officials to assess 'private sector interest and opportunities for seabed mineral resource exploration, mining, and environmental monitoring in the United States Outer Continental Shelf; in areas beyond national jurisdiction; and in areas within the national jurisdictions of certain other nations that express interest in partnering with United States companies on seabed mineral development'. The scale of Trump's ambition goes well beyond that of Norway, which last year announced its own plans – now shelved after a backlash by environmentalists – to open up swathes of its Arctic territorial waters to exploration by mining firms. Related Oslo defends seabed mining plans amid concerns over environmental impact On the day the US president signed the executive order, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre – who has said a last-minute parliamentary block on his government's seabed mining ambitions was merely a postponement – was in Washington for two-way talks with on Ukraine and trade. Fast-track for exploration Trump has instructed US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to 'expedite the process for reviewing and issuing seabed mineral exploration licences and commercial recovery permits in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act'. This, as Euronews reported earlier this week, would mean the US using a little-known domestic legislation dating from the 1980s to sidestep ongoing talks within the UN's International Seabed Authority (ISA), which has agreed a moratorium pending the completion of ongoing negotiations on the Mining Code setting out safety and environmental protection standards. Related Critical raw materials set to be a key lever in global trade war 'This is a clear case of putting mining companies' greed over common sense,' said Katie Matthews, chief scientist and senior vice-president at the global campaign group Oceana. 'Any attempt to accelerate deep-sea mining without proper safeguards will only speed up the destruction of our oceans.' This was echoed by the Washington-based group Ocean Conservancy, whose vice-president Jeff Watters noted that areas of the US seafloor subject to test mining 50 years ago have yet to fully recover. Moreover, the move by the Trump administration could trigger a destructive rush to secure minerals that have been dubbed the new oil. 'By unilaterally pursuing mining in international waters in defiance of the rest of the world, the Administration is opening a door for other countries to do the same,' he said. The executive order follows a warning from ISA secretary-general Leticia Carvalho last month that 'any unilateral action would constitute a violation of international law'. However the US is not among the 169 countries plus the EU who have ratified the overarching United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The move by Washington came the same day that the European Commission tabled a proposal to incorporate into EU law the more recent Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction' Agreement (BBNJ), also know as the High Seas Treaty, which seeks to establish huge marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas in line with the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Agreement biodiversity.
