Trump deep sea mining order violates law, China says

In a significant move, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to enhance deep-sea mining activities both within the United States and in international waters. This decision has sparked considerable controversy, particularly from China, which has publicly condemned the order, asserting that it violates international law. The executive order is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to increase access to essential minerals that are crucial for various industries, including aerospace, green technology, and healthcare. The deep ocean is believed to contain vast amounts of polymetallic nodules, which are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt and rare earth elements. These minerals are vital for the production of many modern technologies and products. nnThe executive order is intended to position the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration. However, it appears to circumvent ongoing negotiations at the United Nations regarding the regulation of mining activities in international waters. Many nations, including China, have been hesitant to issue mining permits until a comprehensive framework for resource sharing is established. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, expressed concerns, stating that the US authorization undermines international law and jeopardizes the collective interests of the global community. China currently holds a dominant position in the production of rare earths and critical metals, and analysts suggest that the US is eager to gain an advantage in this resource sector. A US official emphasized the importance of ensuring that the United States remains competitive in accessing these underwater resources. nnTo facilitate this goal, the executive order outlines plans to expedite the issuance of exploration licenses and recovery permits, both in US waters and in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The administration estimates that deep-sea mining could significantly contribute to the US economy, potentially adding $300 billion to the GDP over the next decade and creating approximately 100,000 jobs. However, this ambitious plan has faced opposition from various quarters. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and other nations advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until further scientific research can be conducted to assess its environmental impact. Environmentalists and scientists have raised alarms about the potential harm to marine ecosystems, particularly the unique species that inhabit the deep sea. Jeff Watters, a representative from Ocean Conservancy, a US-based environmental organization, warned that deep-sea mining poses serious risks to ocean health. He stated that the negative effects of mining would not be limited to the ocean floor but would also impact the entire water column and all life forms that depend on it. nnWhile the timeline for the commencement of deep-sea mining remains uncertain, The Metals Company (TMC) is already in discussions with the US government to secure the necessary permits. TMC's CEO, Gerard Barron, has expressed hopes of initiating mining operations by the end of the year. Barron, along with others in the mining sector, disputes the environmental concerns raised by critics, arguing that the abyssal zone, located between 3,000 and 6,000 meters below sea level, has a very low concentration of life. He noted that in this deep region, there is virtually no plant life, and the amount of animal life is minimal compared to areas where mining is more prevalent, such as equatorial rainforests. A recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum and the National Oceanography Centre examined the long-term effects of deep-sea mining based on tests conducted in the 1970s. The findings indicated that while some sediment-dwelling organisms were able to recolonize the test site and recover, larger animals did not return, possibly due to the absence of nodules for them to inhabit. The polymetallic nodules, which contain the valuable minerals, take millions of years to form, making them irreplaceable in the short term. This raises important questions about the sustainability of deep-sea mining and its potential consequences for marine biodiversity.