Japan Sets Full-Scale Rare Earth Mud Test at Minamitorishima for February 2027
Japan will run a full-scale test off Minamitorishima in February 2027, lifting rare-earth mud from about 6,000 meters down.
Mid-Summer Review: Washington Speeds Up, the ISA Ends Up in Court
A mid-summer review: NOAA accelerates U.S. seabed mining permits while an international tribunal reins in the ISA.
American Samoa Establishes Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee
American Samoa's governor formed a Deep-Sea Minerals Steering Committee to oversee seabed mineral activity and transshipment plans.
China’s Floating Platform Will Double as a Seabed Mining Proving Ground
China has begun building a 78,000-tonne floating platform that will serve as a seabed mining test range, completing by 2030.
China Publishes Deep-Sea Mineral Atlas
China published a national atlas mapping deep-sea mineral deposits in the East China and Yellow Seas, built from two decades of research.
China’s Bid for High Seas Treaty Secretariat Turns Technical Choice Into Strategic Fight
China is bidding to host the High Seas Treaty secretariat in Xiamen, backed by $70 million, challenging Chile and Belgium.
Summary of House Hearing on Deep Sea Mining
A House Science subcommittee heard testimony from TMC's Gerard Barron and others on the case for advancing U.S. deep-sea mining policy.
China’s Deep-Sea Mining Fleet Looks a Lot Like a Spy Fleet
Chinese deep-sea research vessels spent just 6% of their time in ISA mining zones, raising suspicion of spy activity, per Mongabay and CNN.
Tonga’s New PM Backs US Seabed Minerals Deal
Tonga's new PM backed a US deep-sea minerals deal, even as civil society groups warned it risks ocean ecosystems and skipped consultation.
House Opens New Front in Deep Sea Mining Debate
A House subcommittee hearing on March 26 features The Metals Company's Gerard Barron among witnesses on deep-sea mining policy.