Mining companies may soon bypass UN rules and mine the deep sea
phys.org
A Canadian deep-sea mining company may become the first to commercially mine the international seabed under a controversial U.S. executive order that bypasses United Nations regulations. A recent legal analysis suggests that this could place Canada in violation of international law.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/66134860

cross-posted from: https://news.abolish.capital/post/55436

A Canadian deep-sea mining company may become the first to commercially mine the international seabed under a controversial U.S. executive order that bypasses United Nations regulations. A recent legal analysis suggests that this could place Canada in violation of international law.

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Original title: “Mining companies may soon bypass UN rules and mine the deep sea”, edited for clarity.

  • snoons@lemmy.caOPEnglish
    1·
    4 days ago

    The Metals Company is pursuing the U.S. regulatory pathway through their U.S.-based subsidiary company. However, TMC U.S. has only existed by that name since January 2025, meaning that critical data, funds and proprietary designs used for mining are likely carried over from the Canadian parent company TMC, or other TMC subsidiaries.

    If an American subsidiary has arguably no functional independence from their Canadian parent company, Canada could have an obligation and responsibility under UNCLOS to ensure the company is not participating in mining activities that potentially violate UN regulations.