§4496. Definitions

(a) Deep seabed permit

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "deep seabed permit" means a permit issued under title I of the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resources Act.

(b) Hard mineral resource

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "hard mineral resource" means any deposit or accretion on, or just below, the surface of the deep seabed of nodules which contain one or more minerals, at least one of which is manganese, nickel, cobalt, or copper.

(c) Deep seabed

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "deep seabed" means the seabed, and the subsoil thereof to a depth of 10 meters, lying seaward of, and outside-

(1) the Continental Shelf of any nation; and

(2) any area of national resource jurisdiction of any foreign nation, if such area extends beyond the Continental Shelf of such nation and such jurisdiction is recognized by the United States.

(d) Continental Shelf

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "Continental Shelf" means-

(1) the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas adjacent to the coast but outside the area of the territorial sea, to a depth of 200 meters or, beyond that limit, to where the depth of the superjacent waters admits of the exploitation of the natural resources of such areas; and

(2) the seabed and subsoil of similar submarine areas adjacent to the coasts of islands.

(Added Pub. L. 96–283, title IV, §402(a), June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 583 .)

References in Text

The Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resources Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–283, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 553 , as amended. Title I of the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resources Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§1411 et seq.) of chapter 26 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code see Short Title note set out under section 1401 of Title 30 and Tables.

Territorial Sea of United States

For extension of territorial sea of United States, see Proc. No. 5928, set out as a note under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in title 30 section 1473.