Climate

US deep-sea mining claims in Pacific’s high seas now rival the area set aside by international regulator

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 20/10/2026, 18:39:24 UTC.

Briefings

A Mongabay analysis indicates U.S. deep-sea mining claims in the Pacific's high seas now rival the area designated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Since the Trump administration's 2025 executive order, companies have applied for rights to explore the international seabed, with Mongabay analysis showing that companies have either applied to the U.S. or already been granted rights to areas of the seabed equal to about half the expanse already designated for mining activities by the ISA. Several of these claims overlap, raising concerns about the management of the international seabed. Critics argue this U.S.-led acceleration benefits only U.S. and U.S. companies rather than developing nations, as the ISA is mandated to do.

Key points

• The International Seabed Authority (ISA) manages deep-sea mining activities in international waters, but U.S. claims now rival the ISA's designated area in the Pacific's high seas.
• Since the Trump administration's 2025 executive order, companies have applied for rights to explore the international seabed, with Mongabay analysis showing that companies have either applied to the U.S. or already been granted rights to areas of the seabed equal to about half the expanse already designated for mining activities by the ISA.

Context

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) manages deep-sea mining activities in international waters. The Trump administration issued an executive order in 2025 calling for the U.S. to develop its deep-sea mining sector, leading to U.S. applications for rights to explore and exploit the international seabed.

Limitations

Coverage is limited to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, a hotspot of mining interest in international waters. The Mongabay analysis provides an estimate of mining rights based on available data, which may not capture all claims or overlaps. Uncertainty exists regarding the exact number of overlapping claims and their precise impact on the management of the international seabed.

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