The Growing Battle for Deep-Sea Mining in the Energy Transition

The surge in demand for metals used in electric vehicle batteries has sparked a global race to mine the deep seas, with countries and companies divided over the environmental and economic consequences. The International Seabed Authority missed a deadline to establish a regulatory framework, allowing companies to apply for licenses before rules are finalized. Some countries, including Canada, France, and Germany, want to pause deep-sea mining due to unknown environmental impacts, while others like China, Norway, and Russia argue that it is less destructive than land mining. Concerns over ecosystem damage and doubts about profitability have led companies like BMW, Google, and Volkswagen to pledge not to finance or source materials from deep-sea mining. However, supporters of deep-sea mining believe it can help secure critical metals and provide economic opportunities for small island nations affected by climate change.