Deep-sea mining talks to resume as interest swells from China to U.S.

TOKYO -- International discussions on deep-sea mining resume Monday amid growing interest in countries such as the U.S., which see resources under the oceans as a potential way of diversifying supply chains for critical minerals.

Vast reserves of materials such as copper, nickel and cobalt -- now in high demand as a material in batteries and other strategic products -- are believed to exist in crusts and nodules across various areas of the sea floor. Hotspots for exploration and extraction include international waters outside any country's exclusive zone, where there is not yet a regulatory framework in place for commercial mining.