Trump-backed push for deep-sea mining 'unlawful': international regulator
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has warned that deep-sea mining plans backed by former President Trump may be unlawful. The ISA is currently drafting regulations for deep-sea mining, but companies are considering bypassing these rules. Critics express concerns about the environmental impact of mining activities on marine life.
- ▪The ISA Secretary-General stated that unilateral mining actions could lead to significant litigation.
- ▪Companies are eager to mine for critical minerals due to rising demand from electric vehicles and batteries.
- ▪Dozens of nations have called for a ban or halt on deep-sea mining until environmental concerns are addressed.
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Deep-sea mining companies face a blizzard of litigation if they forge ahead with "unlawful" plans backed by U.S. President Donald Trump to dig critical minerals from the ocean floor, the head of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) told AFP on Friday (May 22, 2026).The UN-backed body is tasked with setting regulations for deep-sea mining in international waters, and is currently drafting the founding set of rules for the polarising industry. Commercial deep-sea mining is killing marine lifeFrustrated after years of waiting for this legal framework, a string of companies have declared they will sidestep the authority and instead start mining using untested U.S.
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