lexpress.fr
US Explores Deep-Sea Mining to Counter China's Rare Earth Dominance
The Trump administration is negotiating with The Metals Company for a deep-sea mining permit in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone to secure critical metals, bypassing international regulations amid trade tensions with China, raising environmental and legal concerns.
- What are the immediate implications of the US's pursuit of deep-sea mining for securing critical minerals and reducing reliance on China?
- The Trump administration is exploring deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean to secure access to critical metals like nickel, cobalt, and rare earths, reducing reliance on China. This initiative involves negotiations with The Metals Company (TMC) for a mining permit, potentially bypassing international regulations.
- How might the lack of US ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea affect the legality and international response to the proposed deep-sea mining operation?
- Driven by trade tensions with China, which has restricted exports of rare earth elements, the US seeks to establish a strategic reserve of these metals from deep-sea mining. This action raises concerns about environmental impact and legal ambiguity, as the US hasn't ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs deep-sea mining.
- What are the potential long-term environmental and geopolitical consequences of the US pursuing deep-sea mining in international waters, and what role will scientific consensus play in shaping future regulations?
- The pursuit of deep-sea mining by the US highlights a growing trend of nations seeking alternative sources of critical minerals amid geopolitical instability. This approach could accelerate the development of deep-sea mining technology and potentially set a precedent for other nations, impacting future international regulations regarding seabed resources and environmental protection.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the article is largely sympathetic to The Metals Company's perspective and the US administration's interest in securing its own supply of critical minerals. The headline and introduction emphasize the potential benefits and the company's efforts to exploit a legal loophole, while concerns about environmental damage and international regulations are presented later in the article and with less emphasis. The description of Gerard Barron as the "Elon Musk of Australia" adds a positive framing to a potentially controversial figure.
Language Bias
The article uses some loaded language. Describing the potential actions of the US as "trumpising" the sector and the international waters as an "open bar" reflects a biased, potentially negative opinion of the motivations of the US administration. Phrases like "a project 'assimilable to environmental piracy'" clearly positions the narrative against the proposed actions. Neutral alternatives include describing the situation as an attempt to circumvent established norms or presenting both the potential advantages and disadvantages of deep-sea mining without loaded terms.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspective of The Metals Company and the potential benefits for the US, while giving less weight to the concerns of environmental groups and other nations. The potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining are mentioned, but a detailed analysis of these risks and the scientific consensus surrounding them is absent. The concerns of nations advocating for a moratorium are summarized but not deeply explored. The article also omits discussion of alternative solutions to securing critical minerals, such as recycling or improved resource management.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between reliance on China for critical minerals and deep-sea mining as the only solution. It doesn't explore other options, such as improving domestic mining practices, recycling existing materials, or developing alternative technologies that reduce reliance on these minerals. This framing simplifies a complex issue and limits the reader's understanding of the range of possible solutions.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't exhibit significant gender bias in terms of representation or language. While there are several male figures quoted, the inclusion of Pascale Ricard and Agnès Pannier-Runacher demonstrates a relatively balanced gender representation among expert voices.
Sustainable Development Goals
Deep-sea mining, as proposed by The Metals Company in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, poses significant threats to the marine environment. The article highlights the lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the environmental impacts of such operations, with concerns raised by scientists and environmental organizations. The pursuit of deep-sea mining without sufficient scientific understanding and regulatory frameworks risks irreversible harm to deep-ocean ecosystems and biodiversity, contradicting SDG 14 targets for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.