It is expected that The demand for minerals and metals increases in the context of the energy transition and technological development. And although the Mining in seabed It seems a solution to meet that demand, represents a serious environmental risk.
The place where these lie critical minerals son very sensitive habitats, unique and that give shelter of a wide variety of microbial life and other greater life forms that we do not find in other parts of the planet.
5 consequences of underwater mining:
- Definitive destruction of habitats and loss of biodiversity, In many cases in little explored and very sensitive habitats, which host unique biological communities.
- Release of toxic chemicals, waste products and sediment plumes.
- Noise pollution that would affect whales, dolphins, sea turtles and fish.
- Potential are mortgaged future discoveries and scientific developments.
- Alteration of livelihoods and food sources, due to the impact on fishing
Donald Trump continues to drive the ‘destruction’ of the planet
The president of the United States, Donald Trumphas signed an executive order on Thursday to boost the Ocean fund exploitationespecially the controversial extraction of critical mineralsa key sector for technological development in which China has an almost total domain.
The American president has ordered the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, Doug Burgum and Howard Lutnick, to expedite the exploration and processing of permits for the Mining in deep waterwith the idea that the country leads the new industry.
“The vast areas of the seabed They house minerals and critical energy resources. These are key to strengthening our economy, ensuring our energy future and reducing the dependence of foreign suppliers of critical minerals, ”according to the text published by the White House.
The order also warns that the United States controls the mineral resources of the seabed in one of the “most extensive” oceanic areas in the world, and that it has the right to access those resources.
With this exploration, USA expects to find “strategic minerals” as nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, titanium and rare earths.
Seeks to “counteract the growing influence of China”
In addition, the order also seeks Strengthen alliances “to counteract the growing influence of China” About the Mineral resources of seabed and ensure that US companies are well positioned to support their allies.
Large -scale mining in deep waters is new in the world and has failed to advance, especially because of environmental concerns of possible damage to fragile marine ecosystems.
The order adds to an issued last month in which Trump invoked emergency powers to promote the domestic exploitation of these materials.
The provision seeks to facilitate the granting of permits to allow the exploitation of the minerals that the United States has and provide loans and other financing to the companies that undertake these projects.