Trump eyes deep-sea mining despite ecological concerns

One of the strangest and least explored areas, the ocean floor could significantly boost global economies and industries with its wealth of minerals. These minerals are crucial for modern industry and the energy transition. Minerals such as copper, nickel, and cobalt are needed for the production of electronic devices and electric vehicle batteries, as well as for other sectors involved in renewable energy.

Traditional sources of minerals are becoming increasingly inaccessible or more costly, which is why the ocean floor is capturing the attention of mining companies and global economies. Yet, underwater deposits present challenges, both ecological and technological, that require careful consideration.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the upcoming Trump administration might popularize deep-sea mining. Global economies, including the United States, are eyeing underwater ventures for potential profit. The International Seabed Authority, a UN organization, regulates deep-sea mining in international waters. It recently received a request from an American company, The Metals Company, to explore ocean floor mining.

Elise Stefanik and Marco Rubio are set to oversee the regulation of deep-sea mining in the Trump administration. Stefanik, a candidate for UN ambassador, and Rubio, expected to lead the State Department, will negotiate with other countries to establish guidelines for this kind of activity. Their role will be pivotal in shaping international regulations and agreements on deep-sea mining.

Extracting minerals from the ocean floor can have a significant impact on the marine environment. The primary threats include disruption of deep-sea ecosystems, which are particularly sensitive and have slow regeneration rates. Even minor changes in this environment can result in long-lasting, difficult-to-repair impacts. The extraction of mineral-rich nodules is especially concerning, as they serve as an essential energy source for deep-sea organisms. Consequently, mining could jeopardize entire ecosystems.

The extraction process also causes sediment plumes that can last for decades, polluting the water and disrupting marine life. This pollution can obstruct access to oxygen and light for organisms reliant on these resources, potentially leading to their extinction.

Although the extraction of minerals from the ocean floor is alluring due to their value in modern technologies, its environmental impact could be long-lasting and difficult to mitigate, with some changes being potentially irreversible within a human lifetime.