The Metals Company is following through on its threat to mine the deep-sea with the U.S. in an attempt to bypass international law. The Canadian deep-sea mining company has applied to noaa for exploration licenses in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), a vast stretch of the Pacific between Mexico and Hawaii about the size of India. The CCZ lies beyond any single nation’s jurisdiction. Under international law, resource extraction here is overseen by the International Seabed Authority. Scientists warn that deep-sea mining could cause irreversible harm. Polymetallic nodules take millions of years to form, and mining would tear up the seabed while generating sediment plumes and noise that could disrupt fragile deep-sea and midwater ecosystems, including species that support global fisheries. More than 30 countries and hundreds of scientists are calling for a moratorium until science can inform strong regulations. NOAA has not yet approved the application and is accepting public comments...