Deep sea mining is facing increasing scrutiny due to its potentially devastating impacts on marine ecosystems. The process can disrupt fragile deep-sea habitats, threaten biodiversity, and release toxic sediment plumes filled with heavy metals. These disruptions may trigger cascading effects, destabilizing marine food webs and even accelerating climate change by releasing long-stored carbon.
First Solar’s proactive stance aligns with the Global Moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, which is supported by over 30 governments and 60 companies, including major industry players like Apple, Google, Rivian, Salesforce, and Samsung. By rejecting deep sea-mined minerals, First Solar sets a powerful precedent for the clean energy sector to prioritize environmental stewardship without compromising innovation.
The push for deep sea mining has often been justified by the perceived urgent need for critical minerals to support the global clean energy transition. However, First Solar’s bold policy challenges this narrative. The company demonstrates that it’s entirely feasible to build resilient, sustainable supply chains without resorting to environmentally destructive practices.
Elizabeth Levy, Biodiversity Program Coordinator at As You Sow, praised First Solar’s leadership, stating that it proves the renewable energy transition can move forward without exploiting vulnerable ocean ecosystems. This commitment sends a strong message across the industry: sustainability and technological progress are not mutually exclusive—they are complementary forces that drive both environmental responsibility and long-term business growth.
A key factor behind First Solar’s confidence in excluding deep sea-mined minerals is its longstanding dedication to the circular economy. Since launching the first solar panel recycling program in 2005, the company has recycled over 400,000 metric tons of solar panels. In 2023 alone, First Solar achieved an impressive global material recovery rate of approximately 95%.
These efforts significantly reduce waste and lessen the demand for newly extracted raw materials, including those targeted by deep sea mining. By focusing on recycling and resource recovery, First Solar proves that circular economic models can meet material demands while minimizing environmental harm.
First Solar’s decision comes at a time of rising global opposition to deep sea mining. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), responsible for regulating mineral-related activities in international waters, has yet to establish a comprehensive framework for safe and sustainable mining operations. This regulatory gap, combined with growing scientific evidence of environmental risks, has fueled a strong movement advocating for responsible sourcing policies.
Shareholder advocacy groups like As You Sow are playing a key role in this effort. In addition to First Solar, the organization has refiled shareholder proposals with General Motors and Tesla, urging these companies to adopt similar exclusions of deep sea-mined minerals. As the debate over deep sea mining intensifies, corporate leadership will be critical in shaping sustainable supply chain practices and protecting marine biodiversity for future generations.
