Deep-Sea Mining Executive Order Fast-Tracks Destructive Ocean Mining
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEEP-SEA MINING EXECUTIVE ORDER FAST-TRACKS DESTRUCTIVE OCEAN MINING
Deep sea mining risks irreversible ecological harm, adds to climate change, creates risk to the global fishing industry, and is not necessary to obtain these minerals.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ryon Harms, ryon@asyousow.org, 310.730.9407
EL CERRITO, CA—April 25, 2025 — Yesterday’s Executive Order would invest massive U.S. resources to propel deep-sea mining, a costly and destructive mining process that dredges the deep sea floor. The Executive Order, ostensibly aimed at securing critical minerals, accelerates an environmentally catastrophic practice that 32 nations, leading automakers, clean energy firms, big tech companies, and battery manufacturers have already publicly rejected, until the scientific community is able to explore how deep sea mining would impact ocean ecosystems.
“Future generations may look back at this administration’s mandate to recklessly plunder the deep sea – the ‘common heritage of all mankind’ – as one of its most deeply destructive incursions against the global environment,” said Danielle Fugere. “Investors and consumers must reject this myopic approach in the strongest terms.”
Deep sea mining (DSM) risks irreversible damage to marine ecosystems by destroying sensitive habitats that have formed over millions of years, obliterating surrounding marine life, and drastically reducing biodiversity. The detrimental impacts of deep sea mining-related activities could reduce the functioning of vital ecosystem services the deep sea and surrounding oceans. Over 750 marine scientists have called for a moratorium on deep sea mining, warning of irreversible damage.
“Any company that agrees to use destructive deep-sea minerals risks irreparable harm to its reputation, imperils supply chains, threatens critical biodiversity, and undermines claims of environmental stewardship,” said Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow. “We expect market leaders to publicly denounce the use of deep-sea minerals until the full range and duration of its impacts are understood.”
As You Sow, a shareholder representative organization, has been working to ensure that manufacturers take a precautionary stance on this deeply controversial process. Over the past three years, it has engaged public companies and filed shareholder resolutions with major U.S automakers and other potential users of deep sea-mined minerals, recently securing a withdrawal agreement with a leading solar panel manufacturer. The next shareholder resolution will be voted on at the annual general meeting of Tesla in June.
As You Sow is urging Tesla to join 63 global corporations that have already rejected the use of deep sea minerals, including car industry leaders Volvo, Volkswagen, Renault, Rivian, and BMW. Other major corporations, including Google, Samsung, and Microsoft have pledged to avoid deep-sea minerals. Financial institutions like Credit Suisse and NatWest have blacklisted deep-sea mining investments, reflecting the financial industry’s growing concern about the long-term economic damage and climate risk of this destructive process.
Plundering vast and untouched ecosystems in the deep sea that scientists warn could have catastrophic consequences for marine life and maritime industries is unnecessary. The Executive Order focuses on nickel, cobalt, and manganese – minerals that next-generation EV batteries are rapidly phasing out in favor of sodium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) alternatives. A better path forward would include scaling battery recycling to meet 60% of mineral demand by 2040 (per IRENA); reform land-based mining through better environmental practices; and ending self-defeating trade wars that create artificial supply crunches.
“Investors should be deeply concerned about companies betting on this doomed industry,” added Behar. “Most perplexing is that the executive order ignores the fact that there are already viable and abundant sources for these minerals. Between shifting battery chemistry, recycling advances, and inevitable regulatory backlash, deep-sea mining is a stranded asset in the making.”
About As You Sow
As You Sow is the nation’s leading shareholder representative, with a 30+ year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility. Its focus areas include climate change, ocean plastics, toxins in the food system, the Rights of Nature, racial justice, and workplace diversity. Click here to view As You Sow’s shareholder resolution tracker.