Image source: AP/ALEX BRANDON
Remember Scott Morrison, Australia’s former Prime Minister? (We know, we’re trying our best to forget him too.) Well, brace yourselves because he’s back in the spotlight, and this time it’s for a jaw-dropping reason.
A groundbreaking investigation by Nine Papers, splashed across today’s front page, has uncovered a shocking connection between Morrison, the international arms trade, and the controversial world of deep sea mining. Yep, you heard that right – deep sea mining, the wild west of industries that’s causing a stir for all the wrong reasons.
So, what’s the deal with deep sea mining anyway?
Picture this: giant machines dredging the ocean floor in search of precious metals that are supposedly crucial for the green energy revolution. Well, not according to leading scientists and car giants like Samsung and BMW. They’re waving red flags left, right, and centre, warning of the serious economic and environmental risks this industry poses.
Now, let’s talk about players.
One company at the forefront of this deep sea gold rush is The Metals Company, led by Australian businessman Gerard Barron. He’s gearing up for a front-row seat at the next International Seabed Authority meeting in Jamaica this July. This meeting will be ground zero for deciding the fate of deep sea mining, with countries like Australia holding some serious sway.
We don’t think The Metals Company are big fans of Greenpeace, after our peaceful protest at one of their vessels in 2023...
With characters like Scott Morrison and Trump’s former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the mix, something smells fishy. Using national security fears to bulldoze through environmental regulations? Not on our watch.
What does Greenpeace have to say?
According to Glenn Walker, our Head of Nature, the links between deep sea mining, the arms trade, and the AUKUS submarine deal are setting off major alarm bells.
“We all know that Scott Morrison likes to appoint himself to secret ministries but even for him, this is truly jumping the shark.” And let’s be real, nobody wants to see the clean energy transition used as a cover-up for weapons manufacturing.
Jack Kerr, our Senior Investigator, isn’t holding back either. He’s calling out deep sea mining for what it really is – an attempt to plunder the oceans for profit and power. “Deep sea mining is pivoting from greenwashing to green beret,” said Kerr.
What’s the bottom line here?
Here’s the kicker – while 25 countries, including the UK and France, have already slammed the brakes on deep sea mining, there’s growing frustration that Australia isn’t stepping up to the plate. The question on everyone’s lips: where’s the leadership, Albanese Government?
It’s time to stand up and say no to deep sea mining. Our oceans are too precious to be treated like a free-for-all gold rush, especially when the stakes are this high. Let’s protect our marine environments, stand against destructive industries, and keep fighting for a cleaner, greener future. Who’s with us?
