Miner Applies to Exploit Deep Sea Under Controversial Trump Executive Order
The Metals Company submitted an application to mine critical minerals in the Pacific seabed in defiance of international regulators.
Greenpeace activists confront workers on a boat conducting deep sea mining research for The Metals Company.
Photographer: Martin Katz/GreenpeaceTakeaways NEW
Seabed miner The Metals Company said Tuesday it has submitted an application for a US license to mine an area of the Pacific Ocean administered by a United Nations-affiliated organization. The move sets up a showdown between the Trump administration and international regulators over control of minerals critical to the energy transition.
Canadian-registered The Metals Company (TMC) said its US subsidiary has also filed two applications for US licenses to prospect for minerals in a vast stretch of the Pacific between Hawaii and Mexico under the jurisdiction of the 169-member-nation International Seabed Authority (ISA).