Environmental activists are voicing strong concerns about the push to establish regulations for commercial deep-sea mining in international waters. Since July 15, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a UN body formed in 1994, has been negotiating rules in Jamaica to govern this emerging industry.
In response, three European NGOs—WeMove Europe, Seas At Risk and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition—commissioned an Ipsos survey across Belgium, Poland, and Italy, sampling 3,000 people. The survey revealed that 56% of respondents oppose deep-sea mining and support a temporary ban, while 33% approve of mining only if damage is minimized. Just 7% were undecided, and only 4% supported mining without reservations.
Rachel Walker-Konno of WeMove Europe highlighted recent scientific discoveries, such as the finding that polymetallic nodules, which mining companies target, produce oxygen. This revelation has significantly altered our understanding of deep-sea processes.
The Debate: Ban or suspension?
Experts stress the need for more research into the potential impacts on ecosystems, fish populations, and the ocean’s carbon sequestration capabilities. Currently, 31 countries support either a ban, moratorium, or preventive pause on deep-sea mining, with France calling for a ban and other EU countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Greece and Malta, advocating for a pause until further data is available.
The European Commission has also recommended a ban until evidence confirms that mining can be conducted safely without harming the marine environment. Over the past year, numerous global financial institutions, as well as companies from the fishing, technology, and automobile sectors, have joined the call for a halt to deep-sea mining.
Economic and environmental considerations
The ISA has signed around 30 contracts for exploring seabed resources such as polymetallic nodules and sulphides, which contain copper, nickel, iron, manganese, cobalt, and rare earths. These exploration contracts involve both government and private entities, focusing on areas like the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Some EU countries are eager to access these resources for use in batteries and semiconductors, though activists argue that the benefits may not outweigh the environmental costs, especially since essential minerals like lithium are not found in these nodules.
Canada and Norway’s plans
Canada, through the TMC company, may apply for a commercial deep-sea mining license in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone as early as 2025, depending on ISA’s regulatory developments. The outcome of the ISA’s upcoming secretary general election could significantly influence the direction of the regulations, with current deputy secretary general Michael Lodge advocating for rapid rule adoption.
Norway, meanwhile, has received parliamentary approval to commence deep-sea mining in its territorial waters around Svalbard, spanning 281,000 square kilometers. This move aligns with Norway’s broader plans to exploit its mineral resources.
The debate over deep-sea mining continues as stakeholders weigh the economic potential against environmental risks and the need for further research.
