The American magazine Wired revealed in an investigation that a Canadian mining company was preparing to dig in the Pacific Ocean to manufacture batteries for electric cars. Although ocean mining is prohibited by international treaties, The Metal Company exploited a legal loophole to get involved in the project.
Indeed, if a signatory state requests authorisation to exploit international waters, the regulatory authority has two years to make its reasoned decision. Failing that, exploitation can proceed until conclusions are presented.
It so happens that one signatory state has submitted such an application in 2021, namely the State of Nauru, which has a population of around ten thousand. This island submitted its application through its national mining company whose main shareholder is The Metal Company.
However, digging mines on the seabed would cause considerable damage to the ecosystem and its ability to absorb CO2, not to mention the risks to underwater species.
R.O
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