Deep Sea Mining Dispute Widens as U.S. Moves Ahead

Efforts to finalize international regulations on deep sea mining remain deadlocked, even as the United States moves ahead with its own controversial fast-tracking plans. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), after years of negotiations, concluded its latest session in Jamaica on July 17 without agreement on critical aspects of the proposed mining code—particularly environmental protections.

Despite completing a line-by-line review of the 107 proposed regulations, the ISA's 36-member council remains divided on timelines and safeguards. The minerals at the heart of the debate—cobalt, nickel, and manganese—are vital for emerging technologies like electric vehicles. However, concerns over irreversible damage to underexplored marine ecosystems have fueled strong resistance.

Chilean delegate Salvador Vega Telias reiterated his country's demand, along with 36 others, for a moratorium until sufficient scientific research ensures minimal ecological harm. "No mining should proceed without a robust and equitable framework," he stressed.

ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho echoed the need for rules grounded in science and caution, stating that success will depend on inclusive governance and evidence-based decisions.

The urgency increased after U.S. President Donald Trump bypassed the ISA’s framework in April, instructing federal agencies to speed up mining permits under a domestic 1980 law. This unilateral move was seized upon by Canadian firm The Metals Company (TMC), which promptly submitted a license request, effectively bypassing the ISA process. The U.S., notably, is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, under which the ISA operates.

Critics, including NGOs and several ISA member states, condemned the maneuver as undermining global legal frameworks. A draft under review by the council calls on the ISA’s legal commission to investigate potential breaches and recommend countermeasures for non-compliance.

Tensions flared further in Kingston over procedural opacity, with some sessions held behind closed doors. “This is not just about resources—this is about the common heritage of humankind,” said Emma Watson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, voicing alarm over reduced transparency.

As the ISA’s full 169-member assembly resumes discussions, a growing divide is evident: while some nations and corporations prioritize access to critical minerals, others demand strong, science-based protections before opening up the deep ocean to commercial extraction.