The Trump administration could green-light deep-sea mining for the first time
1 min read
Summary
The Metals Company, which is exploring the possibility of mining the ocean floor for battery material, has applied to the Trump administration for permission to start its operations under existing US mining code, rather than through the international community, which has been working on the issue since 2021.
The potential consequences of deep-sea mining are not fully known, and some are concerned that it could have a serious environmental impact and potentially disrupt ocean ecosystems and the coastal communities that rely on them.
Several groups are calling for a ban on deep-sea mining until rules are in place to reduce any potential damage.
The Minerals Company says its own data shows that deep-sea mining would be less damaging than mining on land.