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business4h ago
Mining companies may soon bypass UN rules and mine the deep sea
- The United States issued an executive move to fast-track seabed mining permits outside UNCLOS, prompting regulatory debate.
- The Metals Company applied for a commercial recovery permit to mine large seabed areas in the Pacific via its U.S. subsidiary.
- ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho warned that no state may unilaterally exploit deep-sea resources outside UNCLOS rules.
- UN member states are working on regulatory guidelines since 2014, but as of June 2026 the rules remain unfinished.
- Canada faces potential legal ramifications if its corporate links enable unilateral mining by a U.S. subsidiary.
- Canada supported a moratorium on commercial seabed mining in international waters in 2023, but has remained largely silent since.
- Environmental groups urge Canada to publicly denounce unilateral deep-sea mining and reaffirm UNCLOS commitments.
- Canada could face disputes hearings at the Seabed Disputes Chamber if found noncompliant with UNCLOS.
- The article notes the deep-sea nodules contain cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
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