The next big land grab…under the sea? President Trump’s push for deep‑sea mining sparks fierce debate: strategic gains vs. ecological risks. This move bypasses the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which the United States has never ratified but has historically followed. By formally rejecting this international framework, the U.S. risks alienating itself from the 169 countries that have signed on and is being criticized for acting unilaterally in what some are calling a form of “pirate mining.”

The executive order comes despite growing concerns from the scientific community and global policymakers. Over 900 marine scientists and 33 countries, including France and New Zealand, have called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, citing the lack of understanding about seabed ecosystems and the potential for irreversible environmental damage. The mining process involves invasive techniques like robotic crawlers and vacuum pumps that could destroy delicate habitats.

Environmental advocates and even major tech and auto companies—including Google, Samsung, Philips, Volvo, and BMW—have pledged not to use minerals sourced from deep-sea mining. These companies argue that the environmental risks outweigh the benefits, even as global demand for critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese rises due to the battery and electric vehicle industries.

During the Biden administration, officials like Monica Medina pushed for a more cautious approach, warning that the industry was not yet ready for safe development. Trump’s order effectively dismisses those warnings, fast-tracking commercial exploitation without adequate safeguards or regulatory oversight.

With the concerns over international relations and potential for environmental disaster, is it worth the risk?

Read the full article by our director on the LA Times.