Deep seabed mining rules get their first update since the 1980s

The US government is updating its rules for deep seabed mining, the first major change since the 1980s. This means companies will now use a single, consolidated process to apply for both exploration and commercial recovery permits.

For decades, companies wanting to mine the deep seabed had to navigate outdated rules that didn't account for modern technology. This update streamlines the process, making it easier and potentially faster for new projects to get approved. It also signals that the US is preparing for a future where deep seabed mining could become a commercial reality, despite ongoing environmental debates.