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What is deep-sea mining, and why are countries and companies racing to the ocean floor for critical minerals?

In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, host Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. LindaNhon about the growing global debate over deep-sea mining and what it could mean for national security, critical minerals, and environmental risk.

The two dive into the mining of polymetallic nodules, mineral-rich deposits found on the seabed that contain cobalt, copper, and manganese. These materials are essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicle batteries to defense systems and advanced industrial supply chains. As demand for critical minerals rises, deep-sea mining is increasingly being viewed as both an economic opportunity and a geopolitical challenge.

Dr. Nhon explains the key questions shaping the future of seabed mining: What are the environmental consequences of disturbing the ocean floor? Who should regulate access to these underwater resources? And how can governments balance the need for mineral security with scientific transparency and international cooperation?

If you want to understand how the competition for ocean resources could shape the future of energy, defense, and global power, tune in to the episode! It not only sheds light on the matter at hand, but also offers modern solutions for policy makers and officials. 

Links From the Episode:

• Tampa Summit 6 Registration

• Rob and Arman’s article for National Interest

• U.S. Naval Institute “War with Iran: General Frank McKenzie Analyzes the Campaign” Episode with General McKenzie

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At the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

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