Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at stepping up deep-sea mining within US and in international waters. Thursday's order is the latest issued by the US president to try to increase America's access to minerals used by the aerospace, green technology and healthcare sectors. The deep sea contains billions of tonnes of potato-shaped rocks, called polymetallic nodules, which are rich in critical minerals like cobalt and rare earths. Many other countries and environmental groups oppose deep-sea mining in international waters without further research. The latest US executive orderwas issued to "establish the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration", it reads. The move appears to bypass a long-running round of UN negotiations on mining in international waters. "The US authorisation... violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday. China dominates the production of rare earths and critical metals like cobalt and lithium. Trump has beenfrustrated by this relative weakness of the US position, analysts say. "We want the US to get ahead of China in this resource space under the ocean, on the ocean bottom," a US official said on Thursday. To achieve this, the order says the US will speed up the process of issuing exploration licences and recovery permits both in its own waters and in "areas beyond national jurisdiction". The administration estimates that deep-sea mining could boost the country's GDP by $300bn (£225bn) over 10 years and create 100,000 jobs The EU, the UK and others support a moratorium on the practice until further scientific research is carried out. Environmentalists and scientists are concerned that undiscovered species living in the deep sea could be harmed by the process. "Deep-sea mining is a deeply dangerous endeavour for our ocean," said Jeff Watters of Ocean Conservancy, a US-based environmental group. "The harm caused by deep-sea mining isn't restricted to the ocean floor: it will impact the entire water column, top to bottom, and everyone and everything relying on it," he added in a statement released on Friday. It is not clear how quickly deep-sea mining could begin but one mining company, The Metals Company (TMC), has already applied for permits in international waters. TMC's CEO Gerard Barron has previously said he hopes to begin mining by the end of the year. Along with others in the mining industry, he disputes the environmental claims made and has argued that the abyssal zone - 3,000m to 6,000m below sea level - has very low concentrations of life. "Here there's zero flora. And if we measure the amount of fauna [animal life], in the form of biomass, there is around 10g per square metre. That compares with more than 30kg of biomass where the world is pushing more nickel extraction, which is our equatorial rainforests," he previously told the BBC.
Trump sparks row with deep-sea mining order
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Signs Executive Order to Advance Deep-Sea Mining Amid Environmental Concerns"
Bbc News
6.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Donald Trump has signed an executive order that seeks to accelerate deep-sea mining operations in both U.S. territorial waters and international waters. This directive is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to enhance America's access to critical minerals essential for various industries, including aerospace, green technology, and healthcare. The deep sea is home to vast deposits of polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable minerals such as cobalt and rare earth elements. However, this move has sparked significant opposition from various nations and environmental organizations, who argue that the exploration and extraction of these resources should be postponed until more comprehensive scientific studies are conducted. The executive order aims to position the United States as a leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration, but it seems to circumvent ongoing United Nations discussions regarding mining in international waters, drawing criticism from countries like China that dominate the rare earths market.
The U.S. administration believes that deep-sea mining could potentially stimulate the economy, estimating a $300 billion increase in GDP and the creation of approximately 100,000 jobs over the next decade. However, environmentalists express grave concerns about the potential ecological impact, warning that deep-sea mining could disrupt undiscovered marine species and damage the delicate ocean ecosystem. Jeff Watters from Ocean Conservancy highlighted the risks posed not only to the ocean floor but to the entire aquatic environment. While some mining companies, such as The Metals Company, are eager to begin operations, claiming minimal environmental impact due to low biological activity at deep-sea levels, the debate continues over the balance between economic benefits and environmental protection. The push for deep-sea mining raises critical questions about resource management and international cooperation in the face of growing demand for essential minerals.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant and contentious executive order signed by Donald Trump aimed at promoting deep-sea mining in both U.S. territorial waters and international waters. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance American access to critical minerals essential for various high-tech industries. The article also underscores the potential geopolitical ramifications, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations.
Intent Behind the Article
The intention seems to be to frame Trump's executive order as a bold step towards establishing U.S. leadership in resource exploration, contrasting it against international opposition and environmental concerns. By emphasizing the economic benefits, such as GDP growth and job creation, the article aims to create a favorable perception of deep-sea mining amidst the controversy.
Public Perception Manipulation
The narrative seeks to evoke a sense of urgency for the U.S. to secure its position in the global resource market, potentially rallying public support for the administration's decision despite environmental concerns. The framing of the order as a move against Chinese dominance in critical minerals also plays into nationalistic sentiments.
Potentially Concealed Issues
The article does not delve deeply into the environmental risks associated with deep-sea mining, such as the potential harm to undiscovered marine species. This omission could indicate an intent to downplay the negative consequences of the order, focusing instead on the economic benefits.
Reliability Assessment
The information presented in the article appears to be grounded in factual events, such as Trump's signing of the executive order and the reactions from various stakeholders. However, the selective emphasis on certain aspects, like economic benefits over environmental risks, raises questions about the objectivity of the coverage. Overall, while the news is based on real developments, it may lean towards a biased portrayal that favors the administration's agenda.
Public Sentiment and Community Support
The article may resonate more with communities that prioritize economic growth and job creation, particularly in industries reliant on critical minerals. Conversely, it might alienate those focused on environmental conservation and sustainability.
Economic and Market Implications
This news could influence stock prices related to companies involved in mining, technology, and green energy sectors. Investors might react positively to the prospect of increased mineral availability, potentially boosting sectors tied to electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
Geopolitical Context
The executive order's implications extend to global power dynamics, particularly in the competition with China for resource control. This aligns with ongoing discussions about national security and economic independence in the context of global supply chains.
Artificial Intelligence Usage
While it is unclear if AI specifically influenced the article's creation, the structured presentation and emphasis on specific economic metrics suggest a calculated approach to communication. If AI tools were utilized, they might have focused on optimizing the narrative for clarity and impact, steering the discussion towards economic potential while minimizing environmental discourse.
In conclusion, the article effectively presents a significant policy shift while subtly shaping public perception around the benefits of deep-sea mining, despite the evident controversy surrounding it. The reliability of the information is intact, but the framing could lead to a skewed understanding of the broader implications involved.