“From Hawaii to Tesla: The Global Movement to Ban Deep-Sea Mining for EV Batteries”
Hawaii has taken a significant step towards protecting its local fishing industry, biodiversity, and Native Hawaiian rights by banning all seabed mining for minerals within its waters. This decision, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on July 9, follows similar legislation in California, Washington, and Oregon. The move comes as twenty-seven countries worldwide have called for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining.
The push for seabed mining is largely driven by the increased production of electric vehicles (EVs), which require minerals such as copper, nickel, manganese, and cobalt for high-power, long-range batteries. In response to this demand, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides tax incentives for EV producers if 50 percent of battery components are sourced domestically, even if it means extracting minerals from the ocean.
American Samoa, a U.S. territory, has already seized the opportunity to expand mining in its waters by entering into a sea-mining partnership with Colorado-based Critical Mining Ventures. The partnership, established in January 2024, aims to supply battery-grade metals for EV batteries, highlighting the economic potential of deep-sea mining.
However, not everyone is in favor of deep-sea mining. California Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, who led the effort to ban mining in California in 2022, argues that advancements in battery efficiency and recycling technologies make deep-sea mining unnecessary. She points to the Biden administration’s investments in the U.S. battery recycling industry as a more sustainable alternative.
According to a 2024 Research and Markets report, the U.S. lithium-ion battery recycling marketplace was valued at $5.9 billion in 2023, with projected growth to reach $23.6 billion by 2030. U.S. EV manufacturers, including Rivian and Tesla, support a moratorium on deep-sea mining, citing the need to protect the ocean’s fragile ecosystem.
Tesla recently called on its shareholders to commit to a moratorium on minerals sourced from seabed mining, joining other automakers like BMW and Volvo in advocating for sustainable practices. Rivas emphasizes that banning deep-sea mining is not just an environmental decision but also a financial one, highlighting the economic benefits of a healthy ocean.
Overall, the debate over deep-sea mining underscores the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental conservation. As the world transitions towards cleaner technologies, finding sustainable solutions for sourcing minerals is crucial for the long-term health of our planet.