Is deep-sea mining on the horizon? We just concluded a week at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where decision-makers came together from around the world to negotiate the future of the deep sea. The short answer is that no mining code, regulations, or environmental policy were agreed upon — meaning the ISA is not any closer to issuing mining licenses. On the surface, that might seem like a good thing. Some may see this as a win. But without more countries explicitly calling for a moratorium, the ISA’s inaction risks being seen as failed governance. This constant delay on regulations is part of what’s driving The Metals Company to seek U.S. approval to mine unilaterally. Nations must take a clear, vocal stand for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. There’s still a lot to unpack on this complex issue. It might feel a little off-beat from our usual content, but this is about getting science into the rooms where decisions are made. We’ll be sharing deeper insights from our time a...