The United States takes a significant step towards establishing metal independence and securing a stable supply of critical minerals through a new push for deep-sea mining. The Pentagon has been tasked by Congress to provide a roadmap on how the US can source and process vital minerals, with the process set to begin once the annual defense budget is enacted.
Republican representatives Carol Miller and John Joyce introduced a bill advocating for the development and funding of deep-sea mining in the US, aligning with the sentiments of 30 Republican members of Congress who had urged US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to support the sector. Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Company, praised these efforts as a positive development towards responsibly sourced critical minerals.
The Metals Company has applied for a $9 million grant under the Pentagon’s Defense Production Act Title III program to conduct feasibility work on a domestic refinery for nodule-derived intermediate products. Despite the potential economic benefits, scientists warn about the environmental impacts on ocean ecosystems already under stress from pollution, trawling, and climate change.
Ocean floor reserves of metals like nickel, manganese, and cobalt are estimated to be valued at trillions of dollars, with the US aiming to catch up to China in the critical minerals race. While the industry holds promise for economic growth and resource security, concerns about its impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystems remain at the forefront of the debate.
