Trump's executive order paves the way for deep-sea mining

In April 2020, amidst rising tensions in global mineral supply chains, the United States government, under President Donald Trump's administration, signed an executive order to expedite the approval process for deep-sea mining initiatives in both U.S. and international waters. This directive aimed at countering the mineral dominance of China, which had raised concerns among U.S. officials regarding reliance on foreign supply chains for critical minerals necessary for various industries, including renewable energy and technology. Trump's decision came in response to economic pressures and geopolitical strategies that highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in critical minerals. The executive order sparked immediate reactions from China, which accused the U.S. of violating international law and stated that it undermined the collective interests of the global community. The International Seabed Authority, an organization tasked with regulating seabed mining activities in international waters, indicated that it remains the sole authority that provides licenses and oversees such operations. However, Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Company, countered the ISA's stance by stating that significant investor interest in deep-sea mining has increased since the executive order. Environmental groups such as As You Sow expressed concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems. They argued that the rush to exploit ocean resources could lead to irreversible damage to marine environments. Given the current regulatory landscape, activists emphasized the need for deeper considerations of legal and environmental ramifications regarding mining activities in the seabed. Despite the concerns, the signing of the executive order signifies a shift in how countries might approach deep-sea mining amid declining multilateralism and increasing focus on national interests. The political landscape has prompted some ISA member states to contemplate reaching an agreement on a formal mining code, driven by the urgency that the U.S. initiative has created. Observers expect that these developments will favor a race towards policy adaptations, enhancing regulatory frameworks for deep-sea mining in the years to come.