Trump Speeds Up Deep Sea Mining, Even in International Waters

The Trump administration will effectively cut in half the process companies must negotiate before mining the deep seabed under a final rule set to be published Wednesday.

The change is likely to raise concerns globally, partly because it extends to areas of the sea that are outside US jurisdiction, and partly because it’s consistent with President Donald Trump’s aggressive focus on global resources.

Deep seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction is regulated by the International Seabed Authority for companies that are parties to a United Nations treaty called the Law of the Sea Convention.

But ...