Trump deep-sea mining order sparks backlash from international seabed authority

ISA warns U.S. over unilateral ocean mining move outside UNCLOS framework.

Global leaders and environmentalists are opposing U.S. President Donald Trump's order to accelerate deep-sea mining, citing threats to marine ecosystems, such as this mother humpback whale and calf spotted off the coast of Brazil. Photo by Carl de Souza/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A controversial Trump deep-sea mining order has triggered a sharp response from the International Seabed Authority (ISA), with the agency warning that the United States' unilateral move undermines international maritime law and could destabilize the fragile framework governing mineral extraction from the ocean floor.

The reaction came after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a directive to expedite seabed mining activities in international waters—specifically, areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction—bypassing the legal procedures established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ISA, which was established under UNCLOS in 1982 to manage the resources of the deep ocean, strongly condemned the order.

ISA criticizes U.S. unilateralism in deep-sea mining

“No state has the right to unilaterally exploit the mineral resources of the area outside the legal framework established by UNCLOS,” said Leticia Carvalho, the head of the Jamaica-based ISA, in a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday.

Carvalho emphasized that despite the fact that the United States has never ratified the UNCLOS treaty, its provisions concerning the seabed are binding on all states. “It is common understanding that this prohibition is binding on all States, including those that have not ratified UNCLOS,” she added.

The Trump deep-sea mining order, which appears to rely on an obscure domestic law allowing the issuance of seabed mining permits, has reignited concerns about the weakening of multilateral norms and the environmental risks posed by commercial exploitation of the deep ocean.

Deep-sea mining: a race for rare minerals

Washington’s push to accelerate mining of polymetallic nodules—mineral-rich rocks found on the ocean floor that contain valuable resources like cobalt, nickel, and manganese—has alarmed not only environmental advocates but also several foreign governments. According to reports, nations including France and China have expressed disapproval of the U.S. move, which bypasses the multilateral rule-making process currently underway within the ISA.

The Trump administration argues that such resources are critical to national security and the transition to a greener economy, which relies heavily on batteries and electronics dependent on rare minerals. However, critics say the absence of proper regulations and oversight risks irreversible harm to marine ecosystems that remain largely unexplored and poorly understood.

Longstanding U.S. role at odds with new stance

Carvalho said the Trump deep-sea mining order is “surprising,” considering that for over thirty years, the United States has been a “reliable observer and significant contributor” to the work of the ISA. Although not a formal party to UNCLOS, the U.S. has traditionally participated in ISA discussions and followed many of its guidelines.

She warned that the new unilateral approach “sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the entire system of global ocean governance.” In her view, such actions threaten to unravel decades of cooperation on maritime law and ocean sustainability.

The ISA is currently working on a long-awaited mining code that would establish rules for commercial extraction in the high seas. The code aims to balance economic development with environmental protection, amid a growing international debate about whether the risks of deep-sea mining outweigh its benefits.

Legal and environmental stakes escalate

Under the UNCLOS framework, the ISA is the sole authority responsible for granting licenses to explore and exploit mineral resources in international waters. It also ensures that any activity adheres to principles of environmental stewardship. The convention defines the deep seabed as the “common heritage of humankind,” meaning that its resources are to be managed collectively for the benefit of all countries, particularly developing nations.

By acting independently, the Trump administration is effectively rejecting these principles. Analysts warn that this approach may not only provoke legal challenges at the international level but also trigger a chain reaction in which other nations pursue their own unilateral claims, leading to a chaotic scramble for undersea resources.

Environmental groups have already expressed outrage at the Trump directive. Many warn that mining at such depths could cause irreversible damage to ecosystems that scientists have barely begun to study. The noise, sediment plumes, and potential toxic waste generated by mining machines could devastate fragile marine habitats and endanger deep-sea species.

ISA urges return to multilateral process

Carvalho concluded her statement by urging all countries—including non-parties to UNCLOS—to commit to internationally agreed norms. “The advantages of adhering to international norms far outweigh the potential risks and challenges associated with unilateral action across the chain, from intergovernmental relations to investment security,” she said.

Her message was clear: only through cooperation can the world ensure that the ocean’s mineral wealth is exploited responsibly and equitably. The ISA insists that moving forward without rules is not only irresponsible but also threatens the legal certainty required by industries that may eventually invest billions into seabed mining operations.

In her view, it is not too late for Washington to recommit to multilateralism and resume its longstanding role as a constructive participant in global maritime affairs.

What’s next for ocean governance?

The Trump deep-sea mining order has exposed the legal and political fault lines in the governance of international waters. With climate change accelerating the need for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies, countries are facing growing pressure to secure supplies. But as the scramble for undersea riches intensifies, so do the calls for precaution.

The ISA’s warning marks a pivotal moment in the debate over deep-sea mining. Will global powers respect the norms set out in UNCLOS, or will they pursue resource extraction unilaterally, potentially damaging the ocean beyond repair?

For now, the future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain—but the global response to Trump’s directive shows that the stakes for international cooperation and ocean health have never been higher.

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