Mexico is taking a bold step to protect its marine life. The country has canceled all concessions for seabed mining, which involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor. This decision has surprised the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for increased mining activity.
The canceled concessions include a 50-year contract held by US-based Odyssey Marine Exploration. The company had planned to explore and extract minerals from a 114,775-hectare area in the Gulf of Ulloa, off the coast of Baja California Sur. However, the Mexican government has prioritized the protection of marine life and the environment over business interests.
Mexico’s decision is a significant departure from the approach taken by the US. Since taking office, President Trump has been keen to expand fossil fuel production and mineral extraction, even if it means increasing pollution. In contrast, Mexico is showing that it’s possible to prioritize the environment without sacrificing economic growth.
The US company affected by the cancellation is now trying to recover its permit, claiming that the decision was unfair. However, the Mexican authorities remain firm in their commitment to protecting marine life. This stance has not been well received by the US, which had been eager to explore and extract minerals from Mexican waters.
The difference in approach between Mexico and the US is stark. While Mexico is canceling mining contracts, the US is pushing to increase seabed mining activity. President Trump has even suggested that the US could intervene to help Odyssey Marine Exploration regain its permit. However, the Mexican government is unlikely to back down, given the potential damage that mining could cause to the marine ecosystem.
The long-term effects of seabed mining on the US marine environment are still unknown. However, it’s clear that Mexico is taking a more sustainable approach. If the country needs to extract minerals like phosphate, it could explore more environmentally friendly methods. For now, Mexico is setting an example for the rest of the world, showing that economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive.