Marine mining: An area of critical national need

摘要

The potential for commercial minerals per unit area in the oceans and seabed appears to be similar to that of the terrestrial lands. [...] almost three-fourths of the global mineral resources are in. or under, the sea and are virtually undeveloped. The other half is controlled by the United Nations (UN) through the International Seabed Authority (ISA) within the "'areas beyond national jurisdiction" known as The Area. [...] the Law of the Sea. ratified in 1994. has resulted in the largest transfer of control of natural resources in the history of mankind.