On Thursday, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fast-track permits for deep-sea mining in U.S. and international waters. Environmental groups are raising alarms that this could cause irreversible harm to fragile marine ecosystems. The order directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to speed up approvals for companies wishing to extract minerals from the ocean floor. Trump stressed the importance of reducing China’s dominance over critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
Deep-Sea Mining and Its Environmental Impact
The decision to advance deep-sea mining has sparked serious concerns among scientists and environmentalists. Experts warn that mining the ocean floor could pose significant risks to the environment, including its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and support vital marine ecosystems.
Environmental Risks: Climate Change and Fisheries
Mining in the deep sea may affect the ocean’s role in fighting climate change. Environmental groups argue that the disturbance of the ocean floor could hinder the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, potentially accelerating global warming. Additionally, deep-sea mining could damage fisheries, threatening food security for millions around the world.
Jeff Watters, a spokesperson from the Ocean Conservancy, expressed concerns about the broader impact of this mining activity. He stated that the damage could extend beyond the ocean floor to the entire water column, which could affect marine life at all levels. The damage will affect everyone and everything depending on the ocean, he warned.
A Global Call for Action: 30+ Countries Urge a Moratorium
More than 30 countries, alongside environmental organizations, fishing groups, and tech companies, have called for a global moratorium on seabed mining. These groups are concerned about the long-term effects of this industry on marine biodiversity and the environment.
Despite growing opposition, companies like Canada’s Metals Company are already preparing to apply for mining permits through their U.S. subsidiaries for operations in international waters.
The Debate: Economic Need vs. Environmental Protection
While some experts acknowledge the economic potential of seabed mining, many environmental advocates stress the need for better regulations. Duncan Currie of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition warned that bypassing international agreements could lead to a global “race to the bottom,” where environmental protections are ignored in favor of economic gain. He also cautioned that this could undermine other international efforts, such as those focused on marine research, fishing, and shipping.
On the other hand, some argue that deep-sea minerals are essential for creating low-carbon technologies. Assheton Stewart Carter from TDi Sustainability noted that minerals like nickel and cobalt, which are crucial for batteries and renewable energy technologies, could play a vital role in addressing climate change. We face tough trade-offs if we want real solutions to climate change, he explained.
The Controversy Over Trump’s Executive Order
Trump’s decision to fast-track mining operations without adequate environmental safeguards has drawn sharp criticism. Katie Matthews from Oceana argued that the order prioritizes the interests of mining companies over environmental protection. She called the move a clear case of putting mining company greed above common sense, warning that it could accelerate the destruction of vital ocean ecosystems.
A Delicate Balance: Ensuring Sustainable Resource Extraction
As the debate continues, there are calls for a more balanced approach that considers both the potential benefits of deep-sea mining and the need to protect the environment. Many experts agree that any efforts to mine the ocean floor must be accompanied by strong, enforceable regulations to safeguard marine ecosystems.
A Divided Future for Deep-Sea Mining
The future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain, with experts divided over whether the environmental risks outweigh the potential economic benefits. As discussions continue, it is clear that more research and stronger regulations will be needed to ensure that any extraction of seabed minerals does not come at the cost of irreversible damage to the planet’s oceans.