French Polynesia objects to an American seabed mining plan made without its input

French Polynesia plans to challenge an American startup's seabed mining proposal in waters near its borders due to lack of consultation. The U.S. company American Deep Sea Minerals seeks permits to mine international waters surrounded by French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Kiribati, prompting concerns about environmental impact and international law. The Trump administration bypassed international regulations to fast-track U.S.-led seabed mining permits, drawing global criticism.