Latest news with #environmentalimpact
France 24
4 hours ago
- Business
- France 24
Trump a boon for deep-sea mining: industry boss
Moana Minerals wants to mine a swathe of deep ocean in the South Pacific nation for polymetallic nodules, golf-ball sized lumps studded with metals like cobalt, nickel and manganese. Efforts to start commercial-scale production have been dogged by growing calls to ban the industry until its environmental impact is clear. But Moana Minerals boss Hans Smit said fresh momentum was building, citing the support of US President Trump. Trump earlier this year signed an executive order targeted at "unleashing" mineral resources found in the deep ocean. "What he's done is tasked his people to go and look at it seriously," Smit said. "It certainly is helpful that we are engaging with a lot of people that in the past would not give us the time of day. But they are listening." Both the United States and China have signalled renewed interest in deep-sea mining, which could offer a pipeline of critical minerals that helps insulate them from future trade ructions. Trump is eager to weaken China's stranglehold on the coveted metals, which are used in everything from rechargeable batteries to military technology. Cook Islands -- which lays claim to one of the world's biggest deposits of polymetallic nodules -- signed a contentious deep-sea mining cooperation deal with China earlier this year. US-based Smit had a simple message for those worried about China's foray into the industry. "The people yelling at the Cook Islands for talking to the Chinese, I have a very simple statement for them: If you want to counter the Chinese, get off your arse and do something proactive." Cook Islands' Pacific neighbour Kiribati is also exploring a deep-sea mining deal with China. China already holds some of the world's largest deposits of critical minerals and is fiercely protective of its position. Smit said he hoped to start industrial-scale deep-sea mining by the end of the decade. "I want to be mining before 2030. Yeah, absolutely, I think that we can." Frustration The International Seabed Authority -- which oversees deep-sea mining in international waters -- has yet to adopt long-awaited rules governing the industry. Canada-based The Metals Company has indicated it could forge ahead and start mining international waters without the authority's approval, applying instead for a mining permit under obscure and untested US laws. Those laws say US citizens can mine the ocean, as long as their activities lie outside the nation's maritime territory. "I can understand why The Metals Company have done it," Smit said. "I can understand their frustration and empathise with it. "But I still think there's a lot to be unpacked before we're going to have any clarity as to which way it's going to go." The Cook Islands government, which is supportive of deep-sea mining, said it would not set a time frame on when it hoped to have the industry under way. But the government said it remained "aligned" with the International Seabed Authority's approach. "Cook Islands will remain steadfast in our precautionary approach," government spokesman Edward Herman told AFP.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump a boon for deep-sea mining: industry boss
A leading deep-sea mining company in the paradisal Cook Islands is aiming to start commercial production by 2030, spurred on by Donald Trump's recent backing for the much-maligned industry. Moana Minerals wants to mine a swathe of deep ocean in the South Pacific nation for polymetallic nodules, golf-ball sized lumps studded with metals like cobalt, nickel and manganese. Efforts to start commercial-scale production have been dogged by growing calls to ban the industry until its environmental impact is clear. But Moana Minerals boss Hans Smit said fresh momentum was building, citing the support of US President Trump. Trump earlier this year signed an executive order targeted at "unleashing" mineral resources found in the deep ocean. "What he's done is tasked his people to go and look at it seriously," Smit said. "It certainly is helpful that we are engaging with a lot of people that in the past would not give us the time of day. But they are listening." Both the United States and China have signalled renewed interest in deep-sea mining, which could offer a pipeline of critical minerals that helps insulate them from future trade ructions. Trump is eager to weaken China's stranglehold on the coveted metals, which are used in everything from rechargeable batteries to military technology. Cook Islands -- which lays claim to one of the world's biggest deposits of polymetallic nodules -- signed a contentious deep-sea mining cooperation deal with China earlier this year. US-based Smit had a simple message for those worried about China's foray into the industry. "The people yelling at the Cook Islands for talking to the Chinese, I have a very simple statement for them: If you want to counter the Chinese, get off your arse and do something proactive." Cook Islands' Pacific neighbour Kiribati is also exploring a deep-sea mining deal with China. China already holds some of the world's largest deposits of critical minerals and is fiercely protective of its position. Smit said he hoped to start industrial-scale deep-sea mining by the end of the decade. "I want to be mining before 2030. Yeah, absolutely, I think that we can." - Frustration - The International Seabed Authority -- which oversees deep-sea mining in international waters -- has yet to adopt long-awaited rules governing the industry. Canada-based The Metals Company has indicated it could forge ahead and start mining international waters without the authority's approval, applying instead for a mining permit under obscure and untested US laws. Those laws say US citizens can mine the ocean, as long as their activities lie outside the nation's maritime territory. "I can understand why The Metals Company have done it," Smit said. "I can understand their frustration and empathise with it. "But I still think there's a lot to be unpacked before we're going to have any clarity as to which way it's going to go." The Cook Islands government, which is supportive of deep-sea mining, said it would not set a time frame on when it hoped to have the industry under way. But the government said it remained "aligned" with the International Seabed Authority's approach. "Cook Islands will remain steadfast in our precautionary approach," government spokesman Edward Herman told AFP. "We believe that the Cook Islands government and the people can make an informed decision." sft/lb
CNA
13 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
World Athletics releases annual sustainability report for events
World Athletics on Tuesday released its first annual review assessing meets against its "Athletics for a Better World" standard, designed to minimise environmental impact while enhancing social and local economic benefits. The sustainability report categorised events from 2024 into five achievement levels - platinum, gold, silver, bronze and recognised - based on compliance with the ABW standard. "The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 and the Oslo Bislett Games achieved platinum, and the Hypo-Meeting combined events meeting in Gotzis, Austria, and the Weltklasse Zurich achieved gold," World Athletics said in a statement. The review, which looked at reports from 102 events from 36 countries, found that 48 meets reached one of the achievement levels. "It's a start our entire sport can be proud of," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said in a statement. 'We knew from experience and discussions with organisers that sustainability planning and reporting does require an allocation of additional time, resources and expertise. And we know that poses organisational challenges across our events, which will need time to change." The ABW standard evaluated events in six areas, including leadership in sustainability, sustainable production and consumption, climate change and carbon, local environment and air quality, global equality as well as diversity, accessibility and wellbeing. "When fully adopted, the ABW standard will apply to about 500 in-stadium athletics and mass participation road running events, making it the largest sustainability evaluation system in the sport industry," World Athletics added.
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Earth's Poles Are Drifting Because of Massive Dam Construction Projects That Are Altering the Planet's Balance and Gravity
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 The construction of over 6,862 dams since the 19th century has significantly shifted Earth's polar alignment . since the 19th century has significantly shifted Earth's . 📊 These structures have caused the poles to move approximately 44.5 inches, impacting global sea levels by reducing them by 0.83 inches. by reducing them by 0.83 inches. 🔄 The shift in dam construction from North America and Europe to East Africa and Asia has led to further polar drift . . 🌊 As human activities reshape Earth's structure, the need for a sustainable balance between development and environmental impact is more crucial than ever. The rapid expansion of dam construction has reshaped our planet in unforeseen ways. Since the early 19th century, the proliferation of dams has altered the distribution of Earth's water masses, leading to a measurable shift in the planet's poles. This transformation, driven by humanity's ever-growing demand for resources, has sparked both intrigue and concern among scientists and environmentalists alike. As we delve into the details, it becomes evident that the effects of these structures are far-reaching, influencing not only our environment but also the very axis upon which our world spins. The Surge of Dam Construction: 6,862 Built Between 1835 and 2011 Earth, an imperfect sphere, experiences shifts in its rotational axis due to the uneven distribution of its mass. This phenomenon, known as polar drift, has been significantly influenced by the construction of artificial reservoirs, groundwater extraction, glacier melting, and the resulting sea level rise. Recent studies by researchers at Harvard University have highlighted the impact of this extensive dam-building activity over the past two centuries. From 1835 to 2011, a staggering 6,862 dams were constructed, each contributing to the alteration of Earth's mass distribution. By analyzing the volume of water retained by these structures, researchers determined their influence on polar drift. Astonishingly, dams alone have shifted the poles by approximately 44.5 inches, while simultaneously causing a 0.83-inch decrease in global sea levels during the studied period. These findings underscore the profound impact of human engineering on our planet's natural systems. 'They Call This Eco-Conscious?': Mark Zuckerberg's $300 Million Superyacht Sparks Outrage as Climate Hypocrisy Reaches Absurd New High Tracking the Polar Drift: A Global Perspective The early phase of massive dam construction, spanning from 1835 to 1954, saw a concentration of efforts in North America and Europe. This led to a shift of the poles toward the equator, with the North Pole drifting approximately 7.9 inches towards the 103rd meridian east, a line that traverses Russia, Mongolia, China, and the Indochinese Peninsula. As dam construction efforts shifted to East Africa and Asia in the latter half of the 20th century, the poles continued to drift. Notably, the construction of the colossal Three Gorges Dam in China exemplifies this shift. Consequently, the poles drifted about 22.4 inches toward the 117th meridian west, crossing western North America and the South Pacific. Natasha Valencic, the lead author of a new study, emphasizes that while a polar shift of approximately 39.4 inches won't usher in a new ice age, it has significant implications for sea levels. Ovik Mkrtchyan on Integrating Green Thinking into Emerging Economies Implications of Human Activity on Earth's Structure Beyond the immediate impact on polar drift, the extensive construction of dams and other human activities have reshaped Earth's deeper structure. Earlier this year, a study revealed that the desiccation of the Aral Sea, driven by human actions, altered the planet's substructure. These changes highlight the intricate connections between human endeavors and Earth's geophysical characteristics. As we continue to harness natural resources to meet the demands of a growing population, it becomes imperative to consider the broader implications of these actions. The interplay between engineered structures and Earth's natural systems is complex, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for sustainable development. 'These Trees Turn CO2 Into Stone': Amazed Scientists Hail Kenya's One-of-a-Kind Forest as the Ultimate Breakthrough Against Climate Change Balancing Human Progress and Environmental Impact The construction of dams has undoubtedly played a crucial role in human progress, providing water for agriculture, generating hydroelectric power, and regulating river systems. However, the unintended consequences of these structures are becoming increasingly apparent. As scientists delve deeper into the effects of polar drift and other geophysical changes, the need for a balanced approach to development becomes clear. In light of these findings, the challenge lies in advancing human progress while minimizing environmental impact. By adopting sustainable practices and investing in alternative energy sources, we can strive to mitigate the effects of our past actions on Earth's delicate balance. The question remains: how can we continue to innovate and grow while safeguarding the planet for future generations? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
Fast Company
2 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
The Trump administration is pushing to open new coal mines that will likely never turn a profit
This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here. It looked for a while like the coal mining era was over in the Clearfork Valley of East Tennessee, a pocket of mountainous land on the Kentucky border. A permit for a new mine hasn't been issued since 2020, and the last mine in the region shuttered two years ago. One company after another has filed for bankruptcy, with many of them simply walking away from the ecological damage they'd wrought without remediating the land as the law requires. But there's going to be a new mine in East Tennessee—one of a few slated across the country, their permits expedited by President Donald Trump's declaration of an 'energy emergency' and his designating coal a critical mineral. Trump was only hours into his second term when he signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency that directed federal agencies to 'identify and exercise any lawful emergency authorities available to them' to identify and exploit domestic energy resources. The administration also has scrapped Biden-era rules that made it easier to bring mining-related complaints to the federal government. The emergency designation compresses the typically years-long environmental review required for a new mine to just weeks. These assessments are to be compiled within 14 days of receiving a permit application, limiting comment periods to 10 days. The process of compiling an environmental impact statement—a time-intensive procedure involving scientists from many disciplines and assessments of wildlife populations, water quality, and other factors—is reduced to less than a month. The government insists this eliminates burdensome red tape. 'We're not just issuing permits—we're supporting communities, securing supply chains for critical industries, and making sure the U.S. stays competitive in a changing global energy landscape,' Adam Suess, the acting assistant secretary for land and minerals management at the Interior Department, said in a statement. A representative of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement told Grist that community safety is top of mind, pointing to the administration's $725 million investment in abandoned mineland reclamation. The Department of Interior ruled that a new mine slated for Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County, Tennessee, would have 'no significant impact' and approved it. It will provide about two dozen jobs. The strip mine will cover 635 acres of previously mined land that has reverted to forest. Hurricane Creek Mining, LLC plans to pry 1.8 million tons of coal from the earth over 10 years. The Clearfork Valley, which straddles two rural counties and has long struggled economically, bears the scars of more than a century's underground and surface mining. Local residents and scientists regularly test the creeks for signs of bright-orange mine drainage and other toxins. The land is part of a tract the Nature Conservancy bought in 2019 for conservation purposes, but because of ownership structures in the coalfields, it owns only the land, not the minerals within it. 'We have concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the operation,' the organization said in a statement. 'We seek assurance that there will be adequate bonding, consistent and transparent environmental monitoring, and good reclamation practices.' Matt Hepler, an environmental scientist with environmental advocacy group Appalachian Voices, has been following the mine's public review process since the company applied for a permit in 2023. He remains skeptical that things will work out well for Hurricane Creek Mining. Despite Trump's promise that he is 'bringing back an industry that's been abandoned,' coal has seen a steady decline, driven in no small part by the plummeting price of natural gas. The number of people working the nation's coal mines has steadily declined from 89,000 or so in 2012 to about 41,300 today. Production fell 31 percent during Trump's first term, and has continued that slide. 'What is this company doing differently that's going to allow them to profitably succeed while so many other mines have not been able to make that work?' he said. 'All the time I've been working in Tennessee there's only been a couple of mines permitted to begin with because production has been on the downswing there,' Hepler added. Economists say opening more mines may not reverse the global downward trend. Plentiful, cheap natural gas, along with increasingly affordable wind and solar, are displacing coal as an energy source. The situation is so dire that one Stanford University study argued that the gas would continue its climb even with the elimination of coal-related regulations. Metallurgical coal, used to make steel—and which Hurricane Creek hopes to excavate —fares no better. It has seen flat or declining demand amid innovation in steel production. Expedited permits are leading to new mines in the West as well. The Department of Interior just approved a land lease for Wyoming's first new coal mine in 50 years. Ramaco Resources will extract and process the material in order to retrieve the rare earth and other critical minerals found alongside it. The Trump administration also is selling coal leases on previously protected federal land. Shiloh Hernandez, a senior attorney at the Northern Rockies office of the environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, thinks it is a fool's errand. 'I don't see them changing the fundamental dynamics of coal,' he said. 'That's not to say that the Trump administration won't cause lots of harm in the process by both making the public pay more money for energy than they should and by keeping some of these coal plants and coal mines that really are zombies.' Still, Hernandez said he isn't seeing many new permits, just quicker approval of those already in the pipeline. That said, the Trump administration's moves to streamline environmental review will reduce oversight and the time the public has to scrutinize coal projects. 'The result is there's just going to be it's going to be more difficult for the public to participate, and more harm is going to occur,' Hernandez said. 'There's going to be less attention to the harm that's caused by these operations.'
