UN seabed regulator defends authority as mining firms challenge inquiry

The Metals Company and other deep-sea mining interests are seeking to halt regulatory inquiries into their operations, while the UN's seabed authority asserts its right to conduct oversight of potential environmental impacts.

First covered Jul 14, 2026 · 11:02 AM PT · 1 article

UN seabed regulator defends authority as mining firms challenge inquiry — Image via climatechangenews.com

Coverage

20h Climate Home News UN seabed regulator defends authority as mining firms seek to halt inquiry — Campaigners accused deep-sea mining frontrunner The Metals Company of obstructing an inquiry into its subsidiaries.

Primary sources

investors.metals.co NOAA Certifies TMC USA’s USA B Exploration License Application | The Metals Company

itlos.org 2026.05.30 Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. Provisional Measures Application 92502114.1 (itlos.org)

More coverage from around the web

aoshearman.com Deep sea mining 2026: Regulation, geopolitics and risk

ohchr.org Ocean governance must be grounded in international law: UN experts | OHCHR

congress.gov Seabed Mining in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Issues for Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

oceanographicmagazine.com Deep-sea mining firms sue ISA to block investigation

oceanographicmagazine.com No code, no permits: ISA deep-sea mining talks end in stalemate - Oceanographic

Appeared in: 2026-07-15 (#18)

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