#seabed mining regulations

[10bmnews]

Don't let deep sea become 'wild west', Guterres tells world leaders - The Times of India

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (Image credit: AP) United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday the world could not let the deepest oceans “become the wild west”, at the start in France of a global summit on the seas.World leaders are attending the UN Ocean Conference in Nice as nations tussle over contentious rules on mining the seabed for critical minerals and the…

[sadclowncentral]

How does one get into international regulation of new technologies, it sounds niche and interesting

its easy to get into quite honestly - pick a type of regulation (law/policy/diplomacy) and an emerging technology (AI/autonomous weapons/drones/space/Deep seabed mining) and find universities or Institutions with people researching the same combination. given that these fields are often small, they are really tight knit communities of mostly young people welcoming you with open arms!!

for me it's that i studied space law, worked for my national space agency in the diplomatic department and for the united nations, and now i am part of a research group trying to answer the headache of a question of what law applies when international satellite-based navigation systems provide wrong information on accident.

it's the coolest job in the world and i think everyone should come join me in the wonderful and anxiety inducing playground that is trying to get states to agree to solve future problems BEFORE someone needs to make an app monitoring waterways for the titanic. for example

[mariacallous]

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially jump-started U.S. efforts to mine the seafloor, pitching the United States into the center of a contentious debate that has sparked fears of a race to the bottom in the world’s last untouched frontier. 

Trump last week signed an executive order that would fast-track efforts to exploit key minerals in both national and international waters, citing the defense of a “core national security and economic interest.” The explicitly named threat is China, which dominates many of the world’s critical mineral supply chains and has used that leverage to strike back against the Trump administration’s trade war. 

“We are heading toward a metal crisis right now with the trade issues with China,” said Alex Gilbert, the vice president of regulation at Zeno Power and a fellow at the Colorado School of Mines’ Payne Institute for Public Policy. Trump administration officials “see that deep-sea minerals are an area where they can potentially compete.” 

With this executive order, Trump is embracing a nascent industry that has engendered fierce clashes among mining companies, countries, scientists, and environmentalists. The Trump administration’s move amounts to a sharp break in U.S. policy that is certain to intensify legal, environmental, and financial uncertainties, all of which were already clouding the future of the industry.

“Deep-sea mining is a polarizing matter, and part of it is because we don’t really have a deep understanding of the environmental impact,” said Gracelin Baskaran, a critical minerals security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 

Thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, mineral riches beckon. The treasures that Trump has set his sights on are deposits known as polymetallic nodules, which are rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese and formed over millions of years. Mining companies and some countries have long been eager to tap those minerals, which power the technologies underpinning modern society and are set to face explosive demand in the coming decades. But key hurdles have stood in the way. 

First, there’s the environmental resistance. Opponents of the potential industry warn that too little is known about how commercial mining operations could impact sea life at those depths. More than 900 scientists have called for a pause, citing a “paucity of rigorous scientific information,” and at least 32 countries have backed a moratorium, precautionary pause, or outright ban. 

No country has ever commercially mined in international waters, thanks to a decades-old treaty that nearly 170 states have ratified. Under that agreement, known as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), mining there is prohibited until a U.N.-affiliated agency, called the International Seabed Authority (ISA), finalizes the rulebook for the sector. The ISA is still negotiating that mining code, a process that has now taken more than a decade and would set the framework for governance and regulation. 

Washington never ratified the treaty because it didn’t want to face any mining restrictions. As the only major coastal nation to shun the agreement, the United States has largely stood on the sidelines of international negotiations. Eager to change that, in 2024, hundreds of former U.S. military and political leaders—including former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—wrote a letter urging Senate leaders to ratify UNCLOS.

But Trump is shifting strategies entirely. He now appears to be trying to completely bypass UNCLOS, pitching both Washington and the ISA into uncharted territory. The Trump administration will harness a 1980 law called the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act to mine seabed territory beyond its national jurisdiction, the executive order said. 

Trump’s executive order was rebuked by the ISA, which stressed in a statement that UNCLOS aims to ensure the deep seabed “is governed collectively, not dominated by those with the greatest financial or technological advantage.” While Washington has not ratified UNCLOS, it recognizes the treaty as “reflecting customary international law,” which is binding for all states, the ISA said. 

“If powerful States or corporations attempt to bypass the international legal framework established by UNCLOS, they risk undermining its very foundation: preventing unilateral actions that privilege the interests of the few at the expense of the many,” the ISA said. 

“The decision by the United States to unilaterally pursue deep-sea mining is a breach of international law with dire consequences for every country and person who benefits from the ocean as our common heritage,” Duncan Currie, a legal advisor to the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC), an alliance of more than 130 nongovernmental organizations, said in a statement. “It upends more than 40 years of legal precedent in the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

Yet challenges loom. Even if companies do descend on the seafloor, it’s not clear if commercial mining operations make economic sense. Commodity prices are known for whipsawing—volatility that injects immense risk into any mining bid, let alone ones that are underwater. 

One big question is: “Are they actually gonna make money doing it?” said Tom LaTourrette, a senior physical scientist at RAND. Nickel and cobalt prices have been tanking, he said, and an increased mineral supply would only drive prices down even more. 

Trump’s executive order drew fanfare from the Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm that has been one of the most forceful proponents of deep-sea mining. Tired of waiting for the ISA to finalize regulations, TMC has sought the Trump administration’s support, announcing last month that it would apply for mining licenses and permits under U.S. law.

The “Executive Order marks America’s return to leadership in deep seabed minerals,” TMC CEO Gerard Barron said in a statement. “With a stable, transparent, and enforceable regulatory pathway available under existing U.S. law, we look forward to delivering the world’s first commercial nodule project—responsibly and economically.”

The Trump administration’s deep-sea mining ambitions should be seen as just one part of its broader effort to boost U.S. critical minerals security, all of which has only been turbocharged by the trade war with Beijing. Beyond the seas, Trump’s bid to secure new mineral supplies has also seen his administration make an enemy of Canada, antagonize an entire island of Greenlanders, and ogle longtime ally Ukraine’s purported riches. 

“This is the administration being very strategic about where the principal areas of vulnerability are” regarding China, said Alexander Gray, a former chief of staff on the first Trump administration’s National Security Council. 

China—which has its own deep-sea mining ambitions and has sought to position itself for success in the nascent industry—was, unsurprisingly, critical of Trump’s executive order. The move “violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said last Friday. 

Yet the race is on, and as Washington charges ahead, fears run high that other countries may follow in its footsteps. The Trump administration’s brazen move may embolden other countries to similarly spurn UNCLOS and start mining in international waters, Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz of CSIS said, potentially setting the stage for a new gold rush in the ocean. 

“There’s always a danger that other countries follow suit and do the same thing and also start going unilaterally, and the ocean would then suffer enormous unilateral damage without any international control,” said Currie, the DSCC legal advisor.

[thoughtlessarse]

Donald Trump has never been mistaken for an environmentalist, having long called the climate crisis a “giant hoax” and repeatedly lauding the supposed virtues of fossil fuels. But the US president’s onslaught upon the natural world in this administration’s first 100 days has surprised even those who closely charted his first term, in which he rolled back environmental rules and tore the US from the Paris climate agreement. This time, the mantra “drill, baby, drill” has been used to justify a hyperactive series of actions to reverse rules designed to protect clean air and water, open up vast tracts of land, ocean and even the seabed to mining, fire federal scientists en masse and downgrade the federal response to the disasters that stem from a warming world. Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is attempting to roll back toxic regulations that were calculated to save an estimated 200,000 Americans’ lives in the years ahead, his Department of the Interior is looking to shrink national monuments and his scientific agencies are degrading the basic data collection required for climate assessments and even weather forecasts. This burst of activity faces a barrage of legal action, with the courts already taking a dim view of the administration’s attempts to skirt usual practice in its haste to deregulate. Even with a rightwing-dominated supreme court, many of these executive orders are expected to founder. However, the US must accelerate efforts to cut emissions if climate goals are to be met, half of Americans still have to endure unsafe air and endangered species and public lands face pressure from a changing climate. The next few years will see little remedy to these growing problems from the White House. “The pace of announcements may slow at some point but the pressure on our regulatory system and our democracy will not only continue, but ramp up,” said Michael Burger, a climate law expert at Columbia University. -“The result will be fewer environmental protections and more people suffering the public health consequences of more pollution. It’s that straightforward.” Oliver Milman

continue reading

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The long-running battle over whether to allow Pacific Ocean seabed mining took an unexpected turn Thursday when a company disclosed it had been confidentially negotiating a plan with the Trump administration to circumvent a United Nations treaty and obtain authorization from the United States to start mining in international waters.

The proposal, which drew immediate protests from environmental groups and diplomats from some countries, represents a radical shift in the contentious debate over accessing deposits on the sea floor that contain copper, cobalt, manganese and other metals that are needed for electric-car batteries.

The International Seabed Authority, established 30 years ago by an agreement now ratified by more than 160 nations, has jurisdiction over seabed mining in international waters, outside the coastal areas of each nation.

The Seabed Authority has been slowly crafting regulations governing mining, which remains highly contentious because the potential effects of industrial activity on marine life are unknown.

Now the Trump administration, which has already expressed its desire to retake the Panama Canal and assume control of Greenland, is being nudged by the Vancouver-based Metals Company to disregard the Seabed Authority and grant it a license to start mining as soon as 2027.

Gerard Barron, the chief executive at the Metals Company, announced the maneuver Thursday after it became clear that it could still be years before the Seabed Authority finalizes mining regulations.

Contractors from nations including China, India, South Korea, Japan and Poland are also doing exploratory work in international waters under permits from the Seabed Authority, but none of them have been given permission to start large scale mining.

The Metals Company’s application would come in the next several months from a United States-based subsidiary of the company, and it would use a ship registered in the United States. The company would send a giant vacuum-cleaner-like machine 2.5 miles underwater to the ocean floor to suck up potato-size rocks that are loaded with metals.

Mr. Barron said executives had already met with Trump administration officials to promote their plan, which would also require a permit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Can ocean-floor mining oversights help us regulate space debris and mining on the Moon?

Mining ocean resources needed for electric cars and other devices is currently a hot issue of dispute. Final resolution of how or whether the seabed should be expl18oited is pending. Outcomes in this contentious area could create precedents that could impact decisions about mining the moon.

These precedents might shape the how and why of mining the Moon and shape the future and the sustainability of space activities of human beings. But this is only one possible precedent that could reshape the future of space.

Pending international discussions on space traffic management, space debris removal, and limiting so-called space junk in Earth orbit could help to stop space debris orbiting the Moon and Mars. This essay by the authors is a plea that we learn from our mistakes and create a more sustainable way forward in outer space.

Lessons we should learn from space debris management

This mounting problem in Earth orbit represents yet another area where precedents for the future of space may well be established. Many countries now back what is called space traffic management and active debris control. This has been recommended in the findings at the recent UN ‘Summit on the Future.’ Without action by the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), however, there is the potential danger of rendering entire orbits unusable. These dangers are now aggravated through the deployment of so-called satellite mega-constellations- or constellations of thousands of satellites in Earth orbits.

Moreover, the current count of tracked objects greater than 10 cm is 40,500 space debris objects, while there are more than 1,1 million space debris objects larger than 1 cm. Every time there is a major collision in orbit the debris created ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 new elements. Some of the potential for mitigation of this issue lies in collision avoidance capabilities, AI, on-orbit servicing and active debris removal. However, the ongoing deployment of mega-constellation launched by various nations contributes to the saturation of orbits, exacerbating the problem.

There is an ongoing discourse within UN COPUOS for directly addressing space debris. Among the topics under discussion is the potential for a global approach to space traffic management. A consortium of space agencies including NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, and ESA, among others, has also contemplated how this might be accomplished.

Today the COPUOS guidelines are the recommended approach, but they are not mandatory and there are no enforcement mechanisms. This inclination towards soft-law documents over binding regulatory and legal approaches stems from states’ reluctance to restrict their freedom of use. Some countries have resisted a space traffic management approach and mandatory procedures, calling such an approach ‘premature’. A legal vacuum has contributed to a worrisome trend.

Dire need for legal regulation

In 2020, NASA drafted the Artemis Accords, a soft-law document companion to the Artemis mission to return to the Moon. Later, the US called for input from other countries. Section 12 of the accords explicitly calls on signatories to limit space debris in the pursuit of the lunar exploration project. Such protective action would help fulfill the obligation contained in Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty which requires that:

“… States parties to the treaty shall pursue studies of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, and conduct exploration of them so as to avoid their harmful contamination and also adverse changes in the environment of the Earth resulting from the introduction of extraterrestrial matter and, where necessary, shall adopt appropriate measures for this purpose …” 

In this sense, the preoccupation for mitigating space debris is no longer restricted to Earth orbit, but to lunar orbit as well.

Leading space-faring nations, including the U.S., India, China, Russia, Japan, and the ESA, have launched satellites to map the Moon. There are plans to send a significant amount of materials to the Moon from Earth, but no plans for subsequent ‘clean up’. As examples, there are ambitious plans to launch a number of satellites to orbit the Moon as well. Additionally, China in collaboration with Russia will likely deploy a space station. ESA has examined a program known as ‘Moonlight’, aimed at deploying a very small constellation of five satellites for telecommunications and navigation. A range of alternative concepts have been advanced, some of which are particularly unconventional. One proposal involves the placement of a captured asteroid in lunar orbit so it might be deployed as a defensive strategy against an impending ‘killer asteroid’.

These proposals for the placement of satellites, space stations, and even asteroids in lunar orbits have not addressed and included with it proposals for removal of these objects from lunar orbit. Humanity’s plans for lunar settlements, mining of the Moon’s resources and other security and military activities in and around Moon orbits do not include provisions for the clean-up and disposal of space objects.

The pollution of Earth, the presence of space debris in Earth orbits, and the planned mining of the ocean floor have not adequately demonstrated the adverse consequences that follow. We need to recognize the pollution of the Moon and its orbits, and then Mars, will entail. We advocate for the need for binding rules to safeguard Earth orbits, plus the orbits of Moon and Mars from space debris contamination. The need today is towards effective action to keep outer space orbital resources safe and sustainable, and for any mining operations be governed by equitable and effective international regulation.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil wants 10-year pause on deep sea mining

Brazil on Friday urged a 10-year precautionary pause on deep sea mining in international waters just days after companies and countries were allowed to start applying for provisional licences.

The call came during a two-week conference held by the International Seabed Authority, a regulatory UN agency based in Jamaica, that failed to approve a set of rules and regulations to govern deep sea mining by a July 9 deadline.

The agency has not issued any provisional licences, nor has it received any applications, although the government of Nauru is expected to apply soon for a licence via the Canadian-based Metals Co.

Continue reading.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

But what, with the eyes of the watching world, was actually achieved for the future health of oceans?

The most important accomplishment was that enough countries either ratified or formally committed to ratifying the high seas treaty. Once ratified, this agreement will help achieve an agreed global target of protecting 30% of the world’s seas by 2030. It will provide the first legal mechanism for the creation of protected areas in the high seas, international waters that cover almost two-thirds of the ocean.

The treaty is expected to now come into force by 1 January 2026, said Macron. This alone is an achievement: the early stages of the high seas treaty took 20 years of negotiations before agreement was reached in 2023. Now it could be months away from becoming a reality.

António Guterres, the UN secretary general, called the pace of progress “a record”. “I see a momentum and an enthusiasm that was difficult to find in the past,” he said.

The summit does not carry the weight of a climate Cop, the annual UN climate change conference where governments and other stakeholders gather to discuss and negotiate on climate action, nor is it legally binding. But it has come at a critical moment for threats facing the seas.

In April, Donald Trump made a move to fast-track deep-sea mining under US law, sidestepping international efforts to regulate the industry. The conference saw four new countries – now 37 – joining France in calling for a moratorium, pause or ban on deep-sea mining, amid warnings of “irreversible” damage to ecosystems should it go ahead.

Trump’s actions, which were criticised by China, which also wants to mine, have had the effect of “strengthening people’s commitment to multilateralism” and building alliances at a key moment, says John Hocevar, oceans campaign director at Greenpeace USA. “In July, the International Seabed Authority meets to discuss, hopefully, a moratorium on deep-sea mining.”

More than 90 ministers issued a symbolic statement in Nice reaffirming their support for the strongest possible plastics treaty, to be negotiated when talks resume in August.

Moetai Brotherson, the president of French Polynesia, announced the creation of the largest protected marine area in the world. It will cover 5m sq kilometres, the nation’s entire exclusive economic zone and will restrict destructive activities such as bottom trawling and deep-sea mining. A fifth will be designated a highly or fully protected area, where only traditional Tahitian boats, ecotourism and scientific exploration are allowed.

At the start of the conference, the French president found himself under fire for failing to ban bottom trawling in protected marine areas. France announced that instead it would “limit” the practice and seek to protect 4% of its metropolitan waters.

One of the strongest critics of France’s role in the summit, was the granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau. France “over-compromised and under-delivered”, she says.

“This was the moment for France to lead – and they missed it,” says Alexandra Cousteau, also an adviser to international oceans organisation, Oceana. “President Macron promised action on bottom trawling in marine protected areas but delivered only artificial limits and empty words. That’s not leadership – that’s evasion.”

Despite its achievements, the summit highlighted how much is yet to be done. A study by National Geographic Pristine Seas and Dynamic Planet found, for example, that in order to meet the global target of 30x30, 85 new marine protected areas would need to be created daily. So far, less than 3% of the ocean is given this extra protection.

Yet, overall the mood was high, boosted by a surge of enthusiasm for protecting the world’s seas.

[allthenewzworld]

President Donald Trump signed a major executive order aimed at accelerating deep-sea mining for critical minerals like nickel, copper, and rare earth elements.

The move is intended to counter China's control over global mineral supply chains by promoting U.S. exploration and extraction in both American and international waters.

In the order, Trump emphasized the United States' "core national security and economic interest" in leading deep-sea science and seabed resource development. The directive calls for faster permitting under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act of 1980 and streamlines processes for mining permits along the U.S. outer continental shelf and in international areas.

The controversial practice of deep-sea mining uses heavy machinery to extract potato-sized mineral nodules from the ocean floor, which are vital for technologies like electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels. Supporters argue it could reduce dependence on land-based mining, while environmental groups warn of severe, unpredictable impacts on marine ecosystems.

Critics, including Greenpeace USA, condemned the move, accusing the Trump administration of bypassing the United Nations' efforts to regulate seabed mining. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) continues to work on global standards, but Trump's order signals an aggressive U.S. push into deep-sea mining despite mounting environmental concerns.

#Allthenewz

[madisontaylor84]

The Veza Explores Naval Robotics in Latest World Navy News 2025

As technological innovation continues to revolutionize global defense, 2025 has become a landmark year for the integration of robotics into naval operations. Autonomous systems—once the domain of futuristic fiction—are now patrolling coastlines, detecting mines, and conducting reconnaissance in some of the world’s most volatile maritime zones.

Rise of Unmanned Naval Systems

Modern navies are rapidly adopting robotic platforms to expand operational capability while minimizing human risk. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are increasingly seen in active service, performing tasks that range from deep-sea mapping to anti-submarine warfare.

The U.S. Navy’s “Ghost Fleet Overlord” program, now fully operational, has deployed a network of autonomous ships capable of long-range patrol and real-time threat analysis. Meanwhile, nations like China, Israel, and the UK are testing their own autonomous fleets in exercises across the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean.

Enhancing Maritime Surveillance

Robotic vessels are particularly valuable for surveillance missions. Equipped with advanced sonar, infrared, and satellite uplinks, these systems can scan wide areas with minimal logistical support. UUVs can silently patrol underwater zones, gathering data on seabed topography, submarine movement, and potential minefields.

This constant data collection enhances situational awareness, helping command centers anticipate threats and make faster decisions. By 2025, several navies have integrated these feeds into AI-driven dashboards that model potential scenarios in real time.

Cost and Crew Efficiency

Robotics also address a critical issue: manpower shortages. Many navies face difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel. Unmanned systems reduce the need for large crews, allowing for more agile and cost-effective operations.

While initial investment in autonomous systems is high, maintenance and operational costs tend to be lower. Furthermore, robotic systems can remain at sea longer than human crews, performing repetitive or dangerous missions without fatigue.

Ethical and Strategic Considerations

Despite the advantages, there are concerns about over-reliance on automation. What happens when a robot misidentifies a civilian vessel as hostile? How much autonomy should be given to machines in a combat zone?

In 2025, naval strategists and ethicists are actively debating these questions. New international frameworks are being discussed to regulate autonomous weaponry, establish accountability, and ensure compliance with maritime law.

Challenges in Harsh Environments

The ocean is an unpredictable environment, and autonomous systems still face technical hurdles. Saltwater corrosion, severe weather, and complex underwater topography challenge even the most advanced machines. Reliability and resilience are ongoing focus areas for engineers.

Some navies have already encountered operational issues—such as communication dropouts and navigation errors—during long deployments. However, these challenges are pushing innovation forward at a rapid pace.

Conclusion

As revealed in the latest world navy news, robotics is transforming the way navies operate, strategize, and respond to emerging threats. From surveillance to combat support, unmanned systems are now critical to maintaining maritime security in a complex global landscape. The Veza continues to follow how automati

[spacetodaypt]

Can ocean-floor mining oversights help us regulate space debris and mining on the Moon?

Mining ocean resources needed for electric cars and other devices is currently a hot issue of dispute. Final resolution of how or whether the seabed should be exploited is pending. Outcomes in this contentious area could create precedents that could impact decisions about mining the moon.These precedents might shape the how and why of mining the Moon and shape the future and the sustainability of…

[leorohit]

deep waters

There’s something about deep water that has always unnerved me. The way it stretches on endlessly, dark and unyielding. Last summer, I discovered just how much that fear was justified.

It started with a message: "You need to see this." A friend of mine, Mike, had attached a grainy photo of a sonar reading. At the bottom of the screen, a jagged mass protruded from the seabed. Beneath it were the words: UNKNOWN OBJECT DETECTED.

Mike was an amateur diver with a taste for mystery. He’d found the coordinates from a forgotten blog about unsolved maritime disappearances. Against my better judgment, I agreed to join him. I wish I hadn’t.

The dive site was miles off the coast, beyond the reach of cell service and common sense. The water was eerily still, and as we descended into the blue, the sunlight faded faster than it should have.

At 150 feet, we found it. A massive structure loomed ahead, encrusted with barnacles and cloaked in seaweed. It looked ancient—impossibly old—and yet untouched by time. My chest tightened as I realized the structure wasn’t natural. It was deliberate. Designed.

Mike swam ahead, his flashlight cutting through the gloom. He gestured for me to follow, pointing to an opening at the base. The shape reminded me of a gaping mouth. Against every instinct, I swam in after him.

Inside, the temperature dropped. The walls were smooth, almost metallic, and the silence was deafening. No sound of bubbles, no hum of marine life. Just an oppressive stillness.

Mike’s light flickered. Then it died. Panic surged through me as I fumbled with my own flashlight. In the brief moments of darkness, I felt it—a vibration, low and guttural, like a growl reverberating through the structure. My light sputtered to life, and I saw Mike frozen in place, his eyes wide with terror.

Something moved behind him.

I grabbed Mike and yanked him back toward the opening, but the entrance was gone. In its place was a seamless wall. The vibrations grew louder, morphing into whispers, unintelligible but filled with malice.

Then, I saw them—figures drifting in the shadows. Human-like, but not human. Their limbs were too long, their eyes too large, and their movements too fluid, like ink dissolving in water. They circled us, their faces contorted into expressions that were almost curious. Almost.

Mike screamed, his voice muffled by his regulator. One of the figures lunged, and he vanished into the darkness.

I don’t remember how I got out. One moment, I was surrounded by those things, and the next, I was clawing my way to the surface, lungs burning, the sunlight blinding me.

The boat was empty. Mike never surfaced.

I reported what happened, but the authorities found nothing—no wreck, no structure, not even a trace of Mike. They said it was probably a diving accident, that the pressure had messed with my head.

But I know the truth. That structure is still out there, waiting. And so are they.

If you’re ever tempted to explore the deep, don’t. Some mysteries are meant to stay buried.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Hakai Magazine:

Earlier this year, Leticia Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer and environmental policy expert, took the helm of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) as secretary general. The ISA, an intergovernmental body that governs what happens on the seafloor in international waters, is responsible for an area that spans more than half the planet.

One of the agency’s key roles is in deciding the future of deep-sea mining, a nascent industry targeting tennis ball–sized rocks called polymetallic nodules. Rich in cobalt, nickel, and other valuable metals, polymetallic nodules can be found in some areas of the seafloor, most notably in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast tract between Hawai‘i and Mexico.

In a landslide victory, Carvalho unseated Michael Lodge, an English lawyer who had served as the ISA’s secretary general since 2016. Lodge’s tenure at the international body—which is tasked with the contradictory goals of both helping deep-sea mining get off the ground and keeping it in check—was marred by allegations of bribery, corruption, and of Lodge having an undue bias toward the mining companies the ISA oversees, all of which Lodge has vehemently denied. Many environmentalists and scientists welcomed the news of Lodge’s displacement.

In the wake of her win, Carvalho told Mongabay that she aims to rebuild trust in the ISA, and in Politico she said she planned to investigate the corruption and mismanagement allegations. But Carvalho’s term does not seem set to bring about the kinds of sweeping changes that would satisfy the 32 countries that have called for a pause on the development of deep-sea mining—including Canada, New Zealand, and Costa Rica—or those, like France, pushing for an outright ban.

For years after the ISA’s inception in 1996, environmentalists, mining industry representatives, and government delegates gathered at the agency’s seaside headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, to develop the Mining Code—the set of rules and regulations that will govern everything about deep-sea mining from who is allowed to mine to how they will mine, and even the way the industry’s proceeds will be disbursed to, somehow, benefit all of humanity. For 25 years, deep-sea mining was a distant reality. Negotiations were easygoing, and those gathered in Jamaica would mingle at weekend retreats and dance parties.

All that changed in 2021 when representatives from Nauru, a Pacific Island nation, triggered a clause in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) known as the “two-year rule.” The move meant that, suddenly, the ISA had only two years to either finish the Mining Code or consider a company’s application to exploit the seafloor with whatever unfinished rules it happened to have in place.

Three years later, no company has yet applied for an exploitation permit. But the triggering of the two-year rule sparked a flurry of contentious debates over the legal and environmental implications of deep-sea mining. With so much still under discussion, Julian Jackson, an ocean governance expert from the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts who has closely followed the negotiations, says the Mining Code is still months—or even years—from being finished.

[hariganesh858]

Marine Mining Market

Marine Mining Market Size, Share, Trends: Nautilus Minerals Inc. Leads

Advancements in Underwater Mining Technologies Driving Market Growth

Market Overview: 

The global marine mining market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33.4% during the forecast period of 2024-2031, reaching a market size of USD YY billion by 2031 from USD XX billion in 2024. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to dominate the market, driven by the increasing demand for precious metals and minerals from the automotive and electronics industries. The growth of the marine mining market is fueled by factors such as the depletion of onshore mineral reserves, advancements in underwater mining technologies, and growing investments in offshore exploration activities. However, environmental concerns and regulatory challenges may restrain the market growth to some extent.

Technological advancements in underwater mining equipment and procedures are a significant trend propelling the marine mining sector forward. The development of sophisticated remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and modern sonar systems has allowed for more efficient and cost-effective exploration and exploitation of deep-sea natural resources. For example, the employment of ROVs outfitted with high-resolution cameras, sensors, and robotic arms has substantially increased the precision and efficiency of underwater mining operations.

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Market Trends: 

The rising demand for precious metals and minerals from various end-use industries, particularly automotive and electronics, is a major driving force behind the maritime mining business. Copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth metals are essential components in the creation of electric vehicles, batteries, telephones, and other high-tech products. As demand for these products grows, the necessity for a consistent and long-term supply of raw materials drives the exploration and exploitation of deep-sea mineral reserves.

Despite the tempting prospects, the marine mining market's expansion may be hampered by growing environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions. Deep-sea mining has the potential to devastate marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal communities' livelihoods. Environmental groups and certain governments are calling for stronger rules and moratoriums on deep-sea mining until the environmental consequences are properly understood and managed. Marine mining firms may face major hurdles in complying with changing environmental regulations and acquiring required permits and licenses.

Market Segmentation: 

The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) category is likely to dominate the maritime mining market during the forecast period. ROVs are underwater robots that are remotely controlled by surface operators and are widely employed for deep-sea research, sampling, and mining. This segment's expansion is being driven by the increasing use of ROVs, which can access deep and dangerous underwater settings, collect high-resolution data, and undertake precise mining operations.

Major marine mining businesses are investing in the development and deployment of advanced ROVs to improve their underwater mining capabilities. For example, in 2023, Nautilus Minerals, a well-known deep-sea mining business, will debut a new fleet of ROVs outfitted with cutting-edge sensors, manipulators, and sampling equipment to support mining activities in the Bismarck Sea.

Market Key Players:

Nautilus Minerals Inc.

Deep Green Metals Inc.

UK Seabed Resources Ltd.

Ocean Mineral Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Diamond Fields Resources Inc.

Contact Us:

Name: Hari Krishna

Email us: hari.krishna@aurorawaveintellects.com

Website: https://aurorawaveintellects.com/

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Sand Dredge in Developing Nations: Challenges and Opportunities

Sand dredge plays a vital role in the economic development of many developing nations, particularly for infrastructure, construction, and coastal management. However, it presents several challenges, including environmental degradation, illegal dredging activities, and the depletion of natural sand reserves. In many cases, the lack of strict regulations exacerbates these issues, leading to damage to ecosystems and local communities. Despite these challenges, sand dredging also offers opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved coastal protection. By adopting sustainable practices, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and utilizing technology, developing nations can mitigate the negative impacts of dredging while harnessing its potential for long-term development and environmental resilience.

Introduction to Sand Dredge: Importance and Application

Sand dredge is the process of removing sand from the bottom of water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans, often using specialized dredging equipment. This activity is essential in various industries such as construction, agriculture, and coastal protection. Sand is a key component for building materials like concrete, and dredging ensures that a continuous supply of sand is available for these needs. Additionally, dredging helps to maintain navigable waterways, ports, and harbors, ensuring safe passage for ships and boats. The economic benefits of sand dredging are significant, especially in growing urban areas and developing nations.

The Dredging Process: How Sand Dredgers Work

Sand dredging involves several steps, starting with the use of dredging equipment like cutter suction dredgers (CSDs) or trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs). These machines extract sand from the seabed or riverbed, and it is then transported to shore or processing plants for further use. The equipment works by either cutting into the sand and suctioning it up or dragging large scoops along the bottom to lift sediment. Depending on the location and scale of the project, dredgers may work continuously or in stages. Advanced dredging technologies improve efficiency, safety, and minimize environmental impacts.

Environmental Impact of Sand Dredging: Risks and Mitigation

While sand dredge is a vital activity, it can have significant environmental consequences. Over-extraction of sand can lead to habitat destruction, particularly in sensitive marine and river ecosystems. Dredging disrupts the natural flow of water, affecting aquatic life, biodiversity, and water quality. Coastal erosion may also be exacerbated if dredging is not properly managed. To mitigate these impacts, many countries have introduced regulations to control sand dredging, promoting sustainable practices. For instance, selective dredging, proper waste disposal, and restoring dredged areas are measures that can reduce the adverse effects on the environment.

Sand Dredging in Developing Nations: Economic Opportunities and Challenges

In developing nations, sand dredging presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it can be a source of revenue, employment, and improved infrastructure. Sand is an essential building material, and dredging can support growing urbanization. However, these countries often lack the regulations or enforcement needed to ensure that dredging is done sustainably. Unregulated sand dredging can lead to over-exploitation, illegal mining, and severe environmental degradation. Addressing these issues requires international cooperation, education on sustainable practices, and the implementation of stronger laws and regulations.

Sustainable Practices in Sand Dredging: Ensuring Long-Term Supply

Sustainability is key to maintaining a steady supply of sand while minimizing environmental harm. Sustainable sand dredging practices include using modern technology to reduce waste and energy consumption, implementing sediment management strategies, and restoring areas that have been dredged. One such practice is "in-situ dredging," where the dredger only removes the sediment required for navigability or construction purposes without over-extracting. Additionally, countries can promote the use of alternatives like recycled materials or artificial sand to reduce dependence on natural sand sources.

Regulations and Policies: The Role of Government in Sand Dredging

Governments play a critical role in regulating sand dredging to balance the economic benefits with environmental protection. Effective policies should include the licensing of dredging activities, setting quotas on the amount of sand that can be extracted, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Monitoring systems can help detect illegal or unsustainable dredging activities. Additionally, international conventions and agreements can help guide countries in managing shared resources like rivers and coastal zones. Strengthening these regulations will not only preserve ecosystems but also safeguard the future of sand dredging as an industry.

Technological Innovations in Sand Dredging: A Look into the Future

The future of sand dredge lies in technological innovation. New advancements aim to increase the efficiency of sand extraction while reducing environmental impact. For example, drones and sensors are being used to monitor sediment conditions in real-time, helping operators make informed decisions. Automation is also making dredging safer and more efficient, with robotic dredgers that can operate in hazardous conditions. Moreover, technology is driving the development of eco-friendly dredging techniques that use less energy and reduce disturbances to marine ecosystems. As the demand for sand grows, these innovations will be crucial in ensuring that sand dredging can continue without damaging the environment.

Conclusion

Sand dredge is a critical industry that supports infrastructure development, coastal protection, and many other essential sectors. However, its environmental consequences cannot be ignored. By adopting sustainable practices, advancing technology, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, the negative impacts of sand dredging can be minimized. For developing nations, the challenge is to strike a balance between the economic benefits of sand extraction and the long-term health of ecosystems. As global demand for sand increases, finding innovative, sustainable solutions will be key to ensuring the industry’s future viability without compromising the environment.