Deep Sea Mining

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President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order that would step up plans to harvest polymetallic nodules that form beneath the Pacific. These black lumps are rich in nickel, cobalt and manganese — commodities heavily used in the making of batteries for mobile devices and electric vehicles. Nickel also factors in the production of stainless steel, enhancing its industrial significance.

Deep-sea nodule harvesting is controversial because the seabed, and the consequences of scraping it, remain somewhat mysterious. Few mining trials have been undertaken. Sessile megafauna — large organisms attached the ocean floor — are presumably not fans. Non-government organisations, and many countries including the UK, want a moratorium. For Trump to issue permits without the oversight of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) would directly challenge the global consensus.
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Trump signs executive order boosting deep-sea mining industry​