World Leaders Call for Go-Slow Approach to Mining the Oceans

Deep-sea mining should be approached gingerly because not enough is known about its environmental impacts, according to a report issued by 14 world leaders on Tuesday.

The report from the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy appears to cut against the Trump administration’s recently announced plans to speed up permitting for exploring, mapping, and researching the ocean.

Broadly, the report calls for more research and development to fill knowledge gaps in deep-sea mining impacts, and tougher marine protections before mining gets underway.

Critical minerals and other resources on the seafloor could be worth billions, if not trillions, of ...