Case Grills Mining CEO on Expedited Deep Sea Mining Permit Application

Deep Sea Mining Permit Application

• 🎯 The Metals Company CEO Gerard Barron was questioned by Rep. Ed Case regarding the expedited timeline of his company's deep seabed mining permit application.
• 🗓️ The company filed its first permit application under a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rule the day after the rule was released, a timeline Rep. Case described as "very, very tightly coordinated."
• 💡 Barron stated that while a draft rule was available, the final rule was published yesterday, and his company filed its application today.

Allegations of Advanced Notice

• ❓ Rep. Case pressed Barron on whether he had advanced notice of NOAA's rule or specific information about its contents.
• 🗣️ Barron denied seeing the rules before they were published, but acknowledged that the company had lobbied for certain changes and that NOAA sought industry advice.
• 📈 The CEO explained that the company makes estimates about commercial sense and was prepared for various situations, including an executive order from the President.

"Wish List" vs. Application

• 🗺️ Rep. Case inquired if the company had provided NOAA with a "wish list" of areas for mining in the high seas.
• 📝 Barron clarified that an application requires defining specific areas with coordinates, rather than a wish list.
• 📍 The company has already submitted an exploration application and today filed for a combined exploration and commercial recovery permit.

Oversight and International Law

• 🤝 Rep. Case expressed concern about a "tight connection" between NOAA and the mining industry, suggesting a lack of effective oversight and accusing them of being "in bed together."
• 🚫 Barron refuted the accusation of being "in bed together."
• 🌍 The discussion touched upon whether the current actions contravene the Law of the Sea and the International Seabed Authority's moratorium.
• 📜 Barron stated it is not correct that the actions are contrary to international law, explaining that countries that have signed UNCLOS have agreed to a framework, implying that those not party to it or those abiding by specific treaties might operate differently.