Deep-Sea Mining and the Clarion-Clipperton Zone — 2026-09-02
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council is set to reconvene in July 2026 to finalize the Mining Code, while the United States accelerates unilateral permitting for deep seabed mining, bypassing international consensus. Pacific Island nations face mounting pressure as the US funds port infrastructure in the Cook Islands, raising concerns about a "Trojan horse" strategy for commercial extraction.
Deep-Sea Mining and the Clarion-Clipperton Zone — 2026-09-02
Top developments
The Mining Code: Draft Exploitation Regulations - International Seabed Authority
The Council of the International Seabed Authority advanced negotiations on the Mining Code - Interna
International Seabed Authority holds a landmark 30th session: the Assembly adopts historic decisions
ISA Council to Reconvene in July 2026 for Mining Code Finalization
The Council of the International Seabed Authority is expected to reconvene in July 2026 for the second part of its 31st session to continue advancing negotiations on the Mining Code governing activities in the Area. This follows the presentation of a further revised consolidated text of the draft regulations on exploitation in March 2026, which remains non-binding and does not prejudice delegates’ positions. The Secretariat has been requested to ensure these dates do not overlap with other ocean-related meetings, signaling a critical push to finalize the regulatory framework that has been stalled for years.
NOAA Advances Review of First-Ever Commercial Recovery Application
NOAA has received a consolidated application for a license to conduct seabed mining exploration activities and a permit to conduct commercial recovery activities, fully compliant with the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). The agency has advanced the review process, inviting public comment on the application for exploration and commercial recovery of critical mineral-rich nodules in the Pacific. This move represents a significant unilateral step by the US, which has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and thus operates outside the ISA’s regulatory regime.
"Nodule City" Proposed at Port of Brownsville
The Port of Brownsville in Texas could soon host "Nodule City," a first-of-its-kind commercial deep-sea mining hub designed to support the processing and logistics of polymetallic nodule extraction. This development aligns with broader US efforts to establish domestic infrastructure for deep-sea minerals, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains for EV battery metals. The project highlights the growing commercial interest in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) despite ongoing environmental concerns and regulatory uncertainty.
US Funding Cook Islands Port Seen as Mining "Trojan Horse"
Critics argue that a US-funded port project at Tongareva atoll (Penrhyn) in the Cook Islands is a "Trojan horse" to facilitate deep-sea mining operations. The announcement, made at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, involves a $50 million US contribution and $10 million from New Zealand. Pacific leaders and environmental groups warn that this infrastructure could enable commercial extraction before adequate environmental safeguards are established, exacerbating tensions within the Pacific Islands Forum where states are divided between pro-mining sponsors like Nauru and moratorium advocates like Palau.
Local view
In the Cook Islands, a recent poll revealed that a majority of voters oppose seabed mining, prompting political leaders and environmental groups to urge caution. The governing party has emphasized that current efforts focus strictly on exploration and scientific research, attempting to mitigate public backlash ahead of elections shaped by issues like China’s influence and deep-sea mining policy.
In France, media outlets like Le Marin have reported on legal challenges against the International Seabed Authority, with critics accusing it of giving unjustified attention to exploration dossiers while failing to finalize the mining code. The debate remains polarized, with France pushing for a "precautionary pause" and aiming for a coalition of 80 countries by summer 2026 to resist industry pressure.
Context & numbers
- Regulatory Status: The ISA had not finalized its mining code as of the close of its March 2026 session, leaving a legal vacuum that the US is now filling with unilateral permits.
- Corporate Interest: Eight companies are currently vying for permits from NOAA and the Interior Department to explore or mine U.S. and international waters for minerals, described by some analysts as a new "dot-com boom."
- Geopolitical Tensions: The US-Cook Islands partnership marks a new front in great power competition in the Pacific, with Washington seeking to counter China’s influence in the region through resource diplomacy.
On the radar
- ISA Council Session: Keep an eye on the July 2026 reconvening of the ISA Council for any breakthroughs or breakdowns in the Mining Code negotiations.
- Public Comment Period: Monitor the Federal Register for the conclusion of the public comment period on NOAA’s consolidated application for deep seabed mining exploration and commercial recovery.
- Pacific Elections: Watch for shifts in policy from the Cook Islands following recent elections, where deep-sea mining was a key campaign issue.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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