After years of negotiations, international regulators may soon finalize rules governing deep sea mining. This mining would happen in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone between Hawaii and Mexico. The ocean floor in this region of the Pacific Ocean is blanketed with valuable minerals and metals including cobalt, nickel and manganese.

Proponents of this mining activity argue that access to these resources could reduce U.S. reliance on foreign mineral supply chains and spur a new wave of industrial development; however, environmental groups warn that mining the deep ocean could permanently damage fragile ecosystems that are still not well understood. 

For perspective on the economic stakes, geopolitical implications, and the likelihood of a global mining rulebook emerging, consider speaking with Danny Leipziger, Managing Director of The Growth Dialogue and professor of practice of international business at the George Washington University School of Business. Leipziger specializes in global economic policy, development finance, trade, and governance.