Seabed mining negotiations and national/industry activity
Key Questions
What triggered the recent rush for seabed mining permits?
A Trump executive order has prompted companies to advance permit applications ahead of an expected lease sale around August 2026.
Which companies are advancing projects in the Cook Islands?
TMC and AOMC-Odyssey are progressing seabed mining initiatives in the Cook Islands following the policy shift.
What legal issues surround the Allseas contract for deep-sea mining?
Greenpeace-backed analysis claims the contract violates UNCLOS, prompting challenges against the Dutch government which is considered legally bound to act.
What new evidence shows impacts of seabed mining on marine life?
Studies reveal 37% fewer animals and 32% fewer species in mining tracks, plus discovery of a new nodule-dwelling coral species.
What is the significance of the ISA July deadline?
The deadline involves expiring Pacific contracts and moratorium efforts, with the ISA regulatory process heating up amid Pakistan's involvement.
How many financial institutions have restrictive policies on seabed mining?
82 financial institutions currently maintain policies restricting support for deep-sea mining activities.
What recent US policy action involves deep-sea mining hearings?
Senator Mazie Hirono pressed territorial governors on deep-sea mining during a US hearing, increasing policy pressure on the issue.
What new marine protected area was created in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea established an MPA equivalent in size to the UK to safeguard marine ecosystems from mining pressures.
Trump EO triggers permits rush and ~Aug 2026 lease sale. TMC/AOMC-Odyssey advance Cook Islands. New legal challenges deem Trump-backed push 'unlawful'; Greenpeace-backed analysis argues Allseas contract violates UNCLOS. Greenpeace challenges Dutch government over Allseas vessel. Dutch government 'legally bound' to act. ISA July deadline approaching – expiring Pacific contract and moratorium push critical. NOAA Okeanos July-Aug 2026 ROV mapping (Manihiki) live-streaming. New hard evidence: 37% fewer animals, 32% fewer species in mining tracks; new nodule-dwelling coral Deltacyathus zoometallicus. Greenpeace deep-sea protest at 2,300m. 82 financial institutions have restrictive policies. NOAA approves TMC's second license. Papua New Guinea creates MPA size of UK. Greenpeace Arctic seamount expedition reveals potential new species, adds urgency to Norway's mining pause. South Korea discovers rare earth deposits at 6,000m. AI mapping used as financial tool for island nations. American Samoa clarifies exploration vs commercial mining. New study predicts nodule abundance in NW Pacific. CCZ mesopelagic micronekton study shows eddies concentrate life. ISA regulatory race heats up with Pakistan's involvement. Deep-sea mining company considering New Orleans for first refinery. Podcast on seamount crusts (Thomas Kuhn, BGR) adds nuance to mining targets. USGS releases Samoa Basin Box expedition report linking minerals and biota. Recent article frames deep-sea mining paradox. New policy analysis 'Deep-Sea Gamble' argues for science-first approach, cites 40% species decline near mining tracks. A sharp analysis of the US-Japan MOC as a strategic end-run around UNCLOS challenges ISA authority and raises treaty viability questions. New: Sen. Mazie Hirono presses territorial governors on deep-sea mining in U.S. hearing, adding to policy pressure.