Deep Sea Mining Takes The International Stage

^{The Metals Company (TMC) subsidiary NORI and its partner Allseas spent over six months at sea in 2022 testing the pilot nodule collection system at 4-km depths to validate the system and gather key data on environmental impacts. CREDIT: TMC.}

Deep sea mining was once again thrust into the spotlight in late April 2025 when President Trump signed an executive order aimed at jump-starting the industry and boosting U.S. access to critical minerals. As deep sea mining continues to be a contentious topic globally, the move has been hotly debated and raises important questions about the laws governing deep sea mining beyond national borders. It also highlights fast developing issues that deep sea miners, investors, and other stakeholders need to consider.