Running up for raw materials: regardless of rummage, strong against China

Berlin pelvis | Scientists: internal and environmental organizations criticize the movement of the US government from the point of view of deep -sea mining, past international institutions and rules. “Despite the global resistance, the US government plans to start with deep-sea production and, thus, requires the right to destroy the last untouched Earth’s habitat,” criticized the marine expert Daniel von Shaper from the Greenpeace environmental organization. “This procedure violates any agreement between the international body of the Naval Council (ISA), the official basis of international cooperation,” said von Sheeper.

Last week, US President Donald Trump signed a decree with which he appointed the United States a leading role in the operation of mineral resources on the seabed. “A reliable supply of critical minerals should be ensured, regardless of control from foreign opponents.” For this purpose, the government will accelerate the “procedure for consideration and issuing licenses for the extraction of minerals at the seabed and for commercial production in areas outside the national jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law,” the decree continues. The purpose of strengthening partnerships is clearly emphasized in order to counteract the growing influence of China on the lower treasury of the seabed.

Experts doubt the potential of deep cultivation. “The reference to the alleged variety of critical raw materials is deceptive,” says Andreas Manhart, a scientist in Eco-Institute. Although numerous elements are contained in the traces in the so -called manganese nodes on the deep sea, “really, only very few of them can be obtained from it.” According to Manhart, this is “actually almost copper, cobalt and nickel.” Even with manganese, one could confidently say whether the extraction of economic tubers would be from. “In any case, the rare earth lands will not deliver tubers, regardless of how many studies are still introduced into the technology of financing and processing.”