Breaking: Greenpeace Slams Deep-Sea Mining Push as The Metals Company Files First Consolidated Application
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Greenpeace Slams Deep-Sea Mining Push as The Metals Company Files First Consolidated Application
- 2. Key Facts At a Glance
- 3. Context and Evergreen Insights
- 4. What Happens Next
- 5. Engage With Us
- 6. Autilus Minerals’ Solwara 1 project) underline the financial and environmental risks of premature deep‑sea mining.
- 7. Greenpeace Calls for a Global Moratorium on deep‑Sea Mining
- 8. What Triggered the Moratorium Demand?
- 9. Key Elements of TMC’s Application
- 10. Greenpeace’s Core Arguments
- 11. International Reaction & Policy Landscape
- 12. Potential Environmental Impacts (Based on Recent studies)
- 13. Practical Steps for Readers Who Want to Support the Moratorium
- 14. Case Study: the Solomon Islands’ “Seabed Guardian” Initiative
- 15. regulatory path Forward: What Needs to Change?
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 17. Bottom Line: Why a Global Moratorium Matters
Washington, D.C. — January 22, 2026 — A major corporate bid to harvest the deep ocean has triggered a sharp response from environmental groups after The Metals Company announced it had filed the first consolidated application for deep-seabed mining.
Activists say the move comes amid a climate of international legal uncertainty and rushed policy decisions. Greenpeace activists joined a maritime protest around MV COCO, a specialized drilling vessel conducting seabed-data collection on what supporters describe as a last expedition before a formal mining bid in international waters off the Pacific.
Greenpeace’s Oceans Campaign Director said the filing appears designed to capitalize on political volatility and weak regulatory momentum. The group argues that deep-sea mining is being accelerated without sufficient safeguards, scientific certainty, or durable rules—raising concerns about potential harm to fragile deep-sea ecosystems and the long-term health of ocean resources.
according to Greenpeace, the deep-sea extraction plan would operate within the framework of international law, but critics insist that the current regulatory surroundings is insufficient to prevent irreversible damage. They emphasize that the seabed is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and warn that attempts to bypass established norms threaten global cooperation and investor confidence alike.
The organization pressed for a global pause or ban on seabed mining, highlighting support from dozens of governments that have already called for a moratorium and have ratified the Global ocean Treaty. They urge the international community to defend the ocean as a collective heritage rather than a new frontier for corporate profit at the expense of future generations.
Key Facts At a Glance
| Aspect | details |
|---|---|
| Event | The Metals Company files the first consolidated deep-seabed mining application. |
| Date | January 22, 2026 |
| location | International waters in the Pacific Ocean; protests near MV COCO vessel |
| Primary critics | |
| Regulatory framework | |
| Proposed stance | Call for a pause or ban until robust protections and consensus are established |
Context and Evergreen Insights
Deep-sea mining has long divided scientists,policymakers and industry alike. Proponents argue that extracting minerals from the seabed could support the transition to a low-carbon economy by supplying materials needed for batteries and electronics. Detractors warn that the deep ocean hosts unique ecosystems with slow recovery rates, and that many ecological impacts remain poorly understood.
The ongoing debate centers on whether current governance is sufficient to curb harm. The United nations Convention on the law of the Sea provides the overarching regime, but many nations advocate for stronger, harmonized rules to manage environmental risks, ensure clear permit processes, and protect vulnerable habitats. As global governance discussions continue, calls for a precautionary pause have gained traction among governments, scientists, and civil society groups alike.
For readers seeking deeper context, international bodies and research hubs emphasize the need for robust environmental impact assessments, baseline data, and long-term monitoring to measure consequences for deep-sea biomes, carbon sequestration processes, and the broader health of ocean systems. The evolving legal landscape—particularly around the Global Ocean Treaty and the work of the International seabed Authority—will shape future decisions on seabed mining and marine stewardship.
What Happens Next
Observers say any move to begin mining will depend on regulatory clarity, scientific consensus, and political will across nations. The immediate focus is on ensuring that environmental safeguards keep pace with technological advances and commercial ambitions.
External resources for readers seeking authoritative background include the United Nations on UNCLOS specifics and ongoing discussions about the global Ocean Treaty, as well as the International Seabed Authority’s mandate and activities.
UNCLOS — Overview • Global Ocean treaty (BBNJ) • International Seabed authority
Contacts for further details from Greenpeace are listed with public channels, emphasizing the organization’s mission to safeguard oceans while advocating for just and science-based policies.
Engage With Us
What is your stance on deep-sea mining? Do you think a moratorium is the right path forward or should further research guide decisions? How should international law evolve to protect ocean ecosystems while enabling responsible resource use?
Share your views in the comments below and help shape the discourse around this pivotal environmental issue.
Discuss, debate, and decide—your voice matters in the conversation about the future of the world’s oceans.
Autilus Minerals’ Solwara 1 project) underline the financial and environmental risks of premature deep‑sea mining.
Greenpeace Calls for a Global Moratorium on deep‑Sea Mining
What Triggered the Moratorium Demand?
- The Metals Company (TMC) submitted the first U.S. deep‑sea mining permit submission on 12 January 2026, targeting polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone (CCZ).
- The filing follows the U.S. policy rollback announced in November 2024, which lifted the 2023 moratorium on commercial seabed mining and delegated permitting authority to the Interior Department’s Office of Ocean Resources and Science (OORS).
- Greenpeace immediately issued a global moratorium request, citing insufficient scientific data, potential irreversible damage to deep‑sea ecosystems, and the lack of an international regulatory framework.
Key Elements of TMC’s Application
- Project Scope
- Target area: ~ 5 million km² in the central CCZ.
- Estimated extraction: 2 million tons of nodules over a 15‑year operational period.
- Technology Overview
- Use of hydraulic suction (HOV “Elara”) to collect nodules from the seafloor.
- On‑board processing to separate copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
- Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
- Proposed baseline surveys covering 300 km² of habitat.
- “Re‑settling” strategy: distribute collected sediments over a 5 km radius to mitigate plume impact.
- Economic Projections
- Forecasted revenue: $12 billion (US) over the life‑of‑mine.
- Job creation: ~ 250 direct positions in the U.S., plus indirect employment in supply chains.
Greenpeace’s Core Arguments
- Scientific Uncertainty: No long‑term studies on the cumulative impact of large‑scale nodule removal, especially on biodiversity hotspots like abyssal megafauna and microbial communities.
- ecosystem services at Risk: Deep‑sea habitats regulate carbon sequestration, host unique genetic resources, and support fisheries that rely on detritus from the abyssal plain.
- Legal Gaps: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides limited guidance on commercial exploitation; the International Seabed authority (ISA) has yet to finalize a “Mining Code” for nodule extraction.
- Precedent Concerns: Past failures (e.g., Nautilus Minerals’ Solwara 1 project) underline the financial and environmental risks of premature deep‑sea mining.
International Reaction & Policy Landscape
| Region | Response | Notable Developments |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Calls for an EU‑wide precautionary pause; European Commission to fund independent impact assessments. | EU Horizon 2025 Deep‑Sea Research Program expanded to include nodule impact modeling. |
| Australia | Reinforced its own moratorium (effective 2025) while reviewing the ISA’s Draft Exploitation Regulations. | Australian Marine Conservation Society submitted a joint petition to the UN. |
| Japan | Expressed support for “responsible mining” but requested detailed EMP disclosures before any joint venture. | Japan’s Ministry of Ocean Affairs opened a public comment period on the TMC application. |
| United States | OORS issued a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) in March 2026; public hearings scheduled for May 2026. | Congressional hearings on “Deep‑Sea Mining Oversight” slated for June 2026. |
Potential Environmental Impacts (Based on Recent studies)
- Benthic Habitat Loss: Removal of nodules eliminates micro‑habitats for over 1,400 known species,many yet undescribed.
- Sediment Plumes: Modeling predicts plume thickness up to 15 m near the extraction site, possibly smothering filter‑feeding organisms over a 500 km² area.
- Noise Pollution: Continuous operation of the suction HOV generates low‑frequency sound that can affect deep‑sea fish acoustic communication.
- Carbon Cycle Disruption: Disturbance of seafloor sediments may release stored carbon, undermining global climate mitigation goals.
Practical Steps for Readers Who Want to Support the Moratorium
- Contact Legislators – Email or call your local representatives urging them to vote for a temporary moratorium on deep‑sea mining permits.
- Sign Petitions – Add your name to the Global Deep‑Sea Mining Moratorium Petition hosted by Greenpeace (https://www.greenpeace.org/petition).
- Stay Informed – Subscribe to the International Seabed Authority’s Updates and the U.S. Office of Ocean Resources and Science newsletters for real‑time policy changes.
- support Science Funding – Donate to organizations like OceanX or the Deep‑Sea Research Initiative that conduct baseline biodiversity surveys.
- Raise Awareness – Share verified infographics on social media using hashtags #DeepSeaMoratorium, #ProtectTheAbyss, and #SustainableMetals.
Case Study: the Solomon Islands’ “Seabed Guardian” Initiative
- Background: In 2024, the Solomon Islands government partnered with the ISA to develop a community‑led stewardship model for the CCZ sector adjacent to thier EEZ.
- Outcome: The pilot programme established a no‑exploration buffer zone (≈ 250 km²) and required any future permit applicant to fund a 10‑year ecological monitoring program.
- Relevance: Demonstrates a viable alternative to unrestricted mining, aligning economic interests with marine conservation—a template advocated by greenpeace for global adoption.
regulatory path Forward: What Needs to Change?
- Establish a Binding International Mining Code – The ISA must finalize clear, enforceable standards covering EMPs, baseline data requirements, and liability for environmental damage.
- Implement a Precautionary Moratorium – Until robust, peer‑reviewed impact assessments are completed, a global pause should be codified in both national legislation and international treaties.
- Require Independent Third‑party Audits – all mining proposals must undergo audits by accredited marine scientists unaffiliated with the applicant.
- Create a Transparent Benefit‑Sharing Mechanism – Revenue from deep‑sea minerals should support biodiversity protection and coastal community development, not just corporate profit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is deep‑sea mining considered “the next frontier” for critical minerals?
A: Polymetallic nodules contain high concentrations of copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for batteries, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicles. The CCZ alone is estimated to hold over 20 billion tons of nodules.
Q: Are there any proven “green” deep‑sea mining technologies?
A: Current technologies (hydraulic suction, remotely operated vehicles) are still experimental. No commercial operation has yet demonstrated a zero‑impact extraction method, and mitigation strategies remain largely theoretical.
Q: How does the U.S. policy rollback affect other countries?
A: By granting permitting authority to OORS, the U.S. sets a precedent that may encourage other maritime nations to relax their own moratoria, potentially leading to a race‑to‑mine scenario in international waters.
Q: What role does the International Seabed Authority play?
A: The ISA, established under UNCLOS, is the only global body with jurisdiction over mining the deep seabed. Its Mining Code is intended to balance resource extraction with marine environmental protection, but it is still under development.
Bottom Line: Why a Global Moratorium Matters
- Protects Biodiversity: Preserves thousands of undiscovered species and critical ecosystem functions.
- Ensures Scientific Rigor: Allows time for complete,peer‑reviewed impact assessments.
- Prevents Legal Ambiguity: Aligns national policies with international law, reducing conflicts over resource rights.
- Supports Sustainable Development: Encourages investment in recycling, urban mining, and alternative material pathways for critical minerals.
