Diplomats from more than 30 nations have criticized a proposal that could allow the start of seabed mining by 2027.
Nearly 40 nations, big and small, have voiced opposition to a plan by a Wall Street-backed mining company to team up with the Trump administration to circumvent international law and start seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean with a U.S. permit.
The widespread furor reflected a rare alignment from countries as varied as China, Russia, India, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Indonesia, France, Argentina, Uganda and the small island nations of Mauritius and Fiji. The plan also brought to the fore a pitched clash over who regulates seabed mining in international waters.
The pushback emerged after The Metals Company, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, disclosed on Thursday that it would ask the Trump administration through a United States subsidiary to grant it approval for mining in international waters. Under an international treaty, the International Seabed Authority has jurisdiction over any mining on the so-called high seas.
“Any unilateral action would constitute a violation of international law and directly undermine the fundamental principles of multilateralism, the peaceful use of the oceans and the collective governance framework,” Leticia Carvalho, the secretary general of the seabed authority, said in a statement released Friday.
Diplomats backed up Ms. Carvalho, arguing that the surprise proposal threatened a global effort to share in the wealth from any metals buried on the seabed floor, which are expected to be used to build electric car batteries and other industrial products.
“It is the Authority that has the exclusive mandate to regulate the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the area,” Carl Grainger, Ireland’s representative, said.