Trump's Executive Order on Deep-Sea Mining Triggers International Controversy

The article discusses the implications of Trump's executive order to boost deep-sea mining in US and international waters amid opposition from China and environmentalists.

Former President Donald Trump's recent executive order aimed at expanding deep-sea mining activities has sparked controversy, as it has been deemed a violation of international law by China. The order, signed on Thursday, permits exploration of minerals in both US national waters and areas beyond its jurisdiction, which China argues undermines ongoing United Nations negotiations on the shared use of ocean resources.

China, a leading producer of rare earths and critical metals, expressed strong disapproval through its foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, who stated that the US initiative "violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community." His comments reflect concerns that this move marks an escalation in global competition for valuable seabed minerals, which are essential for various industries including aerospace, green technology, and healthcare.

According to the US administration, that recent executive order seeks to position the nation as a front-runner in responsible seabed mineral exploration while aiming to decrease reliance on foreign sources. The order promises to expedite the issuance of exploration licenses and mineral recovery permits in a bid to unlock significant economic benefits, estimated to boost GDP by $300 billion over the next decade and create around 100,000 jobs.

However, environmental advocates raise alarms about potential ecological harm resulting from deep-sea mining operations. Jeff Watters from Ocean Conservancy emphasized that disruption occurs throughout the marine ecosystem, affecting not only the ocean floor but also the entire water column. Many nations, including those in the European Union and the UK, support a moratorium on deep-sea mining until thorough scientific research has established guidelines to prevent environmental degradation.

While discussions with The Metals Company (TMC) for permits are already underway, concerns linger about the long-term impact on marine life. TMC's CEO Gerard Barron contends that mining can begin as soon as the end of this year and notes that deep-sea regions have low biodiversity. However, studies indicate that while some smaller species may recover from mining practices, larger marine animals could struggle due to habitat loss associated with the slow regeneration of polymetallic nodules, which take millions of years to form.

As this situation unfolds, the balance between economic aspirations and environmental conservation remains a contentious debate on an international scale.