The race to mine the abyss is bypassing international law

Nature · Published 22 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Deep beneath the waves, polymetallic nodules take millions of years to form. Now, a global scramble for these mineral-rich rocks is pitting industrial interests against international governance, as some nations move to bypass established treaties to secure the materials for a green energy transition.

The Clarion-Clipecton Zone (CCZ), a vast abyssal plain in the Pacific between Hawaii and Mexico, is the primary target for deep-sea mining. This area, which is slightly larger than the European Union, is dotted with polymetallic nodules—dark, lumpy rocks that accumulate metals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper over millions of years. These nodules grow incredibly slowly, expanding only 1 to 10 centimeters every million years. Because they provide a vital hard substrate for species ranging from microbes to sponges, their removal could permanently alter a fragile ecosystem.

A significant geopolitical rift is emerging regarding the authority to mine these waters. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under a UN treaty and involving over 160 nations, is currently negotiating the regulatory code for international seabed mining. However, the United States has not ratified the treaty granting ISA its authority. In March 2025, the U.S. announced plans to unilaterally explore commercial mining in partnership with The Metals Company (TMC), a move that critics argue subverts multilateral processes.

The debate is further complicated by conflicting scientific and economic perspectives. Proponents like TMC aim to harvest between 3 million to 20 million tons of nodules annually over a 20-year lease. While some view this as essential for the energy transition, others argue that terrestrial deposits are already sufficient and that deep-sea mining is an expensive distraction from circular economy initiatives. Furthermore, long-term ecological risks remain uncertain; research using sediment cores shows that tracks left on the seabed 26 years ago reveal how slowly the ocean floor can recover.

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