Global Momentum Builds for Deep-Sea Mining as Nations Seek Critical Minerals
The global pursuit of deep-sea mining is accelerating in 2025, driven by the increasing demand for critical minerals essential to modern technologies. Countries worldwide are exploring the vast mineral wealth beneath the ocean floor, aiming to secure resources vital for renewable energy, electronics, and defense industries.
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Expanding Global Interest in Seabed Resources
Deep-sea mining targets polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, primarily found in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific Ocean. This area alone is estimated to contain over 21 billion metric tons of these nodules, making it a focal point for international exploration efforts.
Several nations are actively pursuing deep-sea mining initiatives:
- China: Holds the majority of exploration contracts granted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), emphasizing its commitment to securing deep-sea mineral resources.
- Norway: Initially approved commercial deep-sea mining in early 2024 but suspended plans later that year due to environmental concerns and political negotiations.
- Cook Islands: Granted exploration licenses for cobalt-rich nodules within their exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and signed a deal with China focused on deep-sea mining.
- Papua New Guinea: Was the first country to approve a deep-sea mining permit for the Solwara 1 project, despite environmental impact concerns.
United States Accelerates Deep-Sea Mining Efforts
In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 24, 2025, directing U.S. agencies to expedite permitting processes for deep-sea mineral extraction. The order aims to strengthen the nation's access to critical minerals and reduce dependency on foreign sources, particularly China.
Key components of the executive order include:
- Fast-Tracking Permits: Federal agencies are instructed to accelerate the review and issuance of exploration and mining licenses.
- Seabed Mapping: A comprehensive mapping of the U.S. outer continental shelf to identify potential mining opportunities.
- Defense Stockpile Assessment: The Department of Defense is tasked with evaluating the inclusion of seabed minerals in the national defense stockpile.
This move challenges the authority of the ISA, which has not yet authorized commercial mining in international waters. The U.S. has not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, under which the ISA operates, allowing it to pursue independent actions in seabed resource exploitation.
Industry Developments and Economic Implications
The executive order is expected to benefit companies like The Metals Company, a Canadian firm planning to apply for U.S. licenses to mine in the CCZ. Another U.S. startup, Impossible Metals, has applied for exploration and potential mining licenses in U.S. territorial waters off American Samoa.
Proponents argue that deep-sea mining could:
- Enhance Resource Security: By tapping into vast undersea mineral deposits, countries can reduce reliance on terrestrial mining and foreign sources.
- Support Economic Growth: The industry has the potential to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and contributions to GDP.
- Advance Technological Development: Access to critical minerals is essential for the production of batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.
Environmental Considerations and Regulatory Challenges
While the economic prospects are promising, deep-sea mining raises environmental concerns. The potential impacts on fragile marine ecosystems, many of which are not yet fully understood, have led to calls for caution. The ISA is working to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to manage environmental risks and ensure sustainable practices.
In the meantime, some countries and organizations advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until more is known about its ecological consequences. Balancing economic interests with environmental protection remains a central challenge as the industry moves forward.
The path forward for deep-sea mining is filled with both opportunities and challenges. As international interest intensifies, several key factors will shape the industry's evolution:
- Regulatory Developments Will Define Market Entry
- The ISA's long-awaited Mining Code is expected to formalize environmental and operational standards.
- National policies may diverge, especially among countries not bound by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Geopolitical Tensions May Drive Resource Nationalism
- Strategic minerals like cobalt and nickel are essential for defense and energy independence.
- Some nations may pursue unilateral claims or bilateral deals to bypass multilateral constraints.
- Investment Trends Are Tied to ESG Pressures
- Investors are closely monitoring ESG risks associated with ocean floor disruption.
- Sustainable finance metrics could influence which companies receive funding.
- Technology Will Be a Game Changer
- Advances in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), precision dredging, and sediment control will improve extraction viability.
- Real-time ecological monitoring may become standard to satisfy environmental conditions.
- Public Sentiment and Environmental Campaigns Could Slow Adoption
- Growing public awareness may trigger pushback, especially in coastal communities and conservation circles.
- NGOs and research institutions are calling for precautionary pauses until long-term impacts are better understood.
- Supply Chain Security Is a Strong Catalyst
- Global disruptions have highlighted vulnerabilities in sourcing minerals from politically unstable regions.
- Deep-sea mining offers an alternative route to secure domestic and allied supply chains.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration Will Gain Importance
- Partnerships between marine scientists, legal experts, engineers, and policymakers will be essential.
- Universities and research institutions may take on a larger role in pilot studies and impact assessments.
- Market Dynamics Will Shift Based on Terrestrial Competition
- If land-based mining operations become more sustainable or expand, deep-sea ventures may face pricing pressure.
- Alternatively, environmental constraints on land could push demand toward ocean-based supply.
- Climate Policy May Accelerate Development
- Transitioning to net-zero economies requires lithium, cobalt, and nickel — many of which are found offshore.
- Carbon credit schemes or tax incentives could be adapted to support responsible seabed mining.