Abstract:
As the search for reliable sources of critical raw materials turns to the ocean floor, international conflicts could result. Although very little is known about the possible impacts of deep-sea mining, Washington has launched an initiative that undermines the existing international regime for seabed minerals. Currently, they are considered a global common good under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). If the United States unilaterally launches commercial deep-sea mining, it would undermine a touchstone of international law and shake the foundations of ocean diplomacy and international maritime affairs. Germany, together with 36 other countries, spoke out against this at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) in June 2025, reaffirming its support for a "precautionary pause" on the introduction of this high-risk technology. In view of current global political turbulence, that line should be maintained.
Subjects:
Deep sea mining
Seabed mining
Marine mining
minerals
mineral resources
energy transition
critical minerals
rare earths
nickel
copper
cobalt
manganese
manganese nodules
Clarion-Clipperton Zone
CCZ
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
UNCLOS
International Seabed Authority
ISA
environmental protection
ocean governance
ocean diplomacy
Mininig Code
Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources