Concerns Rise Over Deep-Sea Mining Regulations and Environmental Impact

Concerns Over Deep-Sea Mining Regulations Intensify

Environmental activists are increasingly alarmed by the ongoing efforts to establish regulations that will govern the future of commercial deep-sea mining for minerals and metals in international waters. Since July 15, the International Seabed Authority (ISA)—an organization established under the auspices of the United Nations in 1994—has been engaged in negotiations during meetings of its governing bodies in Jamaica.

In light of these developments, three European NGOs (WeMove Europe, Seas At Risk, and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition) commissioned an Ipsos survey, conducted in Belgium, Poland, and Italy, with a sample size of 3,000 participants. The results revealed that 56% of respondents oppose deep-sea mining and advocate for a temporary ban on this emerging industry. Another 33% expressed conditional support for mining, provided that environmental damage is minimized. Only 7% remained neutral, while a mere 4% endorsed mining without any reservations.

“Scientists caution us that we require more time to fully understand the complexities of the seabed,” stated Rachel Walker-Konno, a campaigner at WeMove Europe, in an interview with Euronews. “Just last week, a significant discovery was made regarding polymetallic nodules—rocks containing the minerals targeted by mining companies—which revealed that these nodules are capable of producing oxygen. This finding fundamentally alters our understanding of oxygen production, as it occurs in the deep sea, devoid of sunlight,” she elaborated.

A Call for a Ban or Suspension?

Scientists are sounding alarms about the necessity of understanding the potential impacts of deep-sea mining on ecosystems, fish populations, and the ocean’s capacity to sequester and store carbon dioxide. Currently, only 31 countries worldwide support either a ban, moratorium, or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining activities, with 10 of these being members of the European Union. France stands out as the sole EU member advocating for a complete ban. Meanwhile, a temporary pause until more data is gathered is championed by Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Greece, and Malta.

Two years prior, the European Commission promoted a “Joint Communication on the EU Agenda for International Ocean Governance”, which called for a ban until sufficient evidence is provided that deep-sea mining can be conducted safely. The document emphasizes that mining should only proceed when “scientific gaps are adequately filled” and when there is concrete assurance that “no harmful effects will occur” and that “the marine environment will be effectively protected.”

Over the past year, numerous global financial institutions, as well as companies in the fishing, technology, and automotive sectors, have joined scientists and indigenous groups in advocating for a cessation of deep-sea mining activities.

Evaluating the Utility of These Metals

Since the 1960s, the ISA has signed approximately 30 contracts for the exploration of polymetallic nodules (PMN), polymetallic sulphides (PMS), and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CFC) on the seabed. These minerals include copper, nickel, iron, manganese, cobalt, and rare earth elements. The contracts aim to explore the commercial viability of these resources, involving both governmental and private entities. The areas earmarked for prospecting include the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, the Western Pacific Ocean, the Southwest and Central Indian Ridges, and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Several EU nations are involved in these ventures, including Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Poland, and Czechia. Many governments are eager to secure new sources of minerals essential for modern technologies, such as electrical batteries and semiconductors. However, activists argue that pursuing this route may not be worthwhile. “Through deep-sea mining, we primarily extract polymetallic nodules that contain manganese, along with some nickel, cobalt, and copper. Many of these minerals are being replaced in contemporary clean technologies, and crucial minerals like lithium are not found in these nodules,” explains Rachel Walker-Konno.

Progress in Canada and Norway

Canada, operating under the TMC company, may submit a license application for commercial operations in international waters as early as 2025, specifically in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ)—a vast expanse situated between Hawaii and Mexico. The timeline for this move hinges on whether the International Seabed Authority will finalize a legal framework by then.

A key factor in determining the direction of the ISA is the upcoming election for the secretary general on Friday. The current deputy secretary general, Michael Lodge (from the United Kingdom), is campaigning with a strongly pro-industry stance, advocating for the swift adoption of regulations.

Letícia Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer and former oil and gas regulator, advocates for greater caution and believes that further research should be conducted for several more years. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), established in 1982, the seabed beyond national jurisdiction is deemed the “common heritage of humanity,” and its utilization should benefit the “global development of all countries.”

Meanwhile, Norway has announced its intent to commence commercial activities in its territorial waters imminently. On January 9, a vote in the national parliament granted approval for deep-sea mining across an area encompassing 281,000 square kilometers around the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.