Ocean Rebellion protest in front of the Hidden Gem deepwater mining vessel, 8 February 2022. Photo: Sopa Images
The White House administration is considering signing a decree that would allow US companies to obtain licences for mining on the ocean floor without UN approval. If the document is approved, it will be an important step in the implementation of President Donald Trump’s America First policy and the US struggle for strategic resources, Reuters reports .
The new executive order should speed up the permitting process and allow companies to operate under domestic US law, bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which operates under the auspices of the United Nations. One of the first companies to apply for a permit was The Metals Co, which is backed by metals giant Glencore.
Deep-sea mining of strategically important metals such as nickel, copper and rare earth elements is essential for the production of electronics, batteries and the defence industry. At the same time, environmentalists warn that ocean floor mining can lead to significant water pollution and the destruction of marine ecosystems.
The introduction of the decree may cause international tension, as the US will effectively ignore global environmental standards and rules for mining in international waters. China, the EU, and other countries that insist on the need for unified environmental standards may oppose Washington’s decision.
Despite the fact that the US has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the White House is seeking to consolidate its position in the development of ocean resources. This is also part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on China, which currently controls a significant portion of the global rare earths market.
The document is currently under discussion. If signed into law, it could become one of the most controversial decisions of the Trump administration in the field of international trade and environmental management.
