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A New Liability Frontier?
On 24 April 2025, the United States (U.S.) White House issued an Executive Order titled “Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources” (the Executive Order) aimed at accelerating the development of seabed mineral resources both within and beyond U.S. jurisdiction. Among its key provisions, the order directs the Administrator
New on our blog!
From Mare Liberum to “Make America Great Again”
In April 2025, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, instructing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fast-track licenses for seabed mining beyond national jurisdiction. The announcement
#DeepSeabedMining #LegalImagination #USA
https://voelkerrechtsblog.org/from-mare-liberum-to-make-america-great-again/
New on our blog!
The Long Road to Exploit Deep Sea Minerals
The Rules to exploit minerals from the deep seabed outside national jurisdiction are currently drafted under the auspices of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). There is, however, continuous disagreement between those who wish to bring the negotiations for these rules to a close and many states and scient
#DeepSeabedMining #LawOfTheSea #USA
https://voelkerrechtsblog.org/the-long-road-to-exploit-deep-sea-minerals/
"A socially legitimate management process involves (a) robust and inclusive stakeholder engagement, (b) fair, open, and transparent decision-making processes, and (c) equitable outcomes that generate a net benefit for humankind, where the few do not benefit at the expense of many, and where burdens are not shouldered by the most vulnerable ocean-dependent communities."
"#Seabed #mining could soon begin in the #DeepOcean—but the potential impact on animals including #whales is unknown, researchers have warned.
Commercial-scale #DeepSeabedMining in international waters could be permitted for the first time later this year."
Ms. Que Banh
Völkerrechtsblog
Sandra Hoenle (she/her) 🇨🇦
EURACTIV Energy & Environment
Doug Bostrom
KaylinQ