Greenpeace activists have been ordered by a Dutch court to leave a deep-sea mining exploration ship called Coco, which is located in the Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii. However, the court ruled that the protesters can continue to demonstrate around the vessel. The ship is operated by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., a subsidiary of Canada-based The Metals Company. The company accused the protesters of endangering the crew and violating international law. The case was heard in Amsterdam, where the Greenpeace protest ship Arctic Sunrise is registered.

The protest began a week ago when Greenpeace activists paddled kayaks beneath the Coco for up to 10 hours at a time to prevent it from deploying equipment in the water. Two activists also boarded the ship and are camped on the main crane used for equipment deployment until The Metals Company agrees to leave. The protest is in response to the increasing demand for critical minerals found on the seafloor, as well as the need for more research into the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining.

The Metals Company has been conducting exploratory research in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific since 2011. Data from their latest expedition, which examines how the seabed has recovered from previous exploration, will be used in an application to begin mining in 2025. The court ruled that Greenpeace can continue its actions around the ship but must instruct its activists to leave the vessel. If the activists remain on the ship, Greenpeace will have to pay a fine of up to 500,000 euros.

Greenpeace described the ruling as a setback for the deep-sea mining industry and criticized The Metals Company for not wanting scrutiny. They vowed to continue bringing attention to the industry and disrupting its operations. The Metals Company, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling and stated that their priority is the safe continuation of their operations. They emphasized the importance of gathering scientific data for the International Seabed Authority.

The issue of deep-sea mining has sparked controversy, with environmental groups opposing it due to potential negative impacts on marine life. Mining companies argue that deep-sea mining is cheaper and has less environmental impact than mining on land. However, scientists and environmental groups warn that deep-sea mining could cause noise, light, and dust pollution. They also argue that only a small fraction of the world's deep seas have been explored and more research is needed.

During the protest, Greenpeace activists boarded the Coco and stated their intention to stay to protest the exploration that could harm marine life. The Metals Company accused the protesters of endangering the crew and breaking international law. The company threatened legal action and stated that it would use all available measures to protect the rights of its stakeholders. The activists claimed their actions were safe and accused The Metals Company of prioritizing profit over environmental concerns.

Mexico recently joined a coalition of 23 countries calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, while France sought an outright ban. The signatories are requesting more research into the effects of deep-sea mining before proceeding. The Metals Company argues that extracting minerals from parts of the ocean with less life makes more sense and that there are significant economic benefits to deep-sea mining. Greenpeace and other environmental groups maintain that the potential harm to marine ecosystems outweighs the economic benefits.