Into The Abyss: Rationalizing Commercial Deep Seabed Mining Through Pragmatism and International Law

Abstract

This Article discusses issues surrounding deep seabed mining, exploring in depth both
arguments for and against it.1 This Article then takes a step back to dissect the underlying
assumptions behind these arguments, using pragmatism and international law. As 2018 approaches,
marking the start of commercial deep seabed mining operations, it seems relevant to elevate the
“yes or no” to deep seabed mining discourse to how to best incentivize states to delay deep seabed
mining projects in order to improve state and deep seabed mining contractor accountability, to
intensify consumer awareness of both the mineral supply problem and of the necessity of recycling,
and finally, to ensure long-term supply of minerals, particularly those critical to emerging
technology. By breaking down assumptions behind two extreme deep seabed mining positions,
this Article aims to afford states, environmentalists, mining companies, and other affected
individuals greater opportunity to address their respective concerns.