Discussions on regulating deep-sea mining resumed in Jamaica, with nations and campaign groups calling for caution. The ISA is working on a mining code amidst industry pressure for expedited licenses. Concerns include environmental impacts and equitable benefits for nations, particularly in Africa, while new ISA chief Leticia Carvalho aims for progress by July.
Discussions regarding deep-sea mining resumed in Jamaica, where numerous countries and campaign groups united to advocate for prudent regulation of the contentious practice. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is convening in Kingston to develop the inaugural mining code for deep-sea extraction, which has been criticized for jeopardizing marine ecosystems due to possible unregulated operations from metal companies submitting license applications.
French envoy Olivier Guyonvarch emphasized the necessity for consensus, noting that the latest draft of the mining code lacks agreement on critical points. Costa Rica’s representative proposed a “precautionary pause” to allow for data collection and legal framework establishment, while support for such a pause remains uncertain among the ISA’s 169 member states. In contrast, a representative from China asserted that stringent environmental measures should not hinder exploitation, arguing for adaptable regulations as mining proceeds.
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea entrusts the ISA with the regulation of seabed mineral extraction beyond national waters, while mandating protection of marine ecosystems. After over a decade of negotiation, the ISA Council currently issues exploration licenses, although an enabling clause allows any company with national backing to apply for a license even without an existing mining code.
Concerns arise from African nations fearing that seabed resource exploitation could undermine their economies and sustainable development. The continent’s representative stressed the need to ensure underwater extraction does not adversely impact Africa’s existing mining industries.
The industry has criticized delays in finalizing the mining code, declaring legal and financial risks to investments exceeding $2 billion. Nori, a subsidiary of the Canadian firm The Metals Company, is poised to submit an extraction application for mineral-rich polymetallic nodules, seeking ISA support despite opposition from countries like Chile regarding the approval process.
Sofia Tsenikli, Director of the Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium Campaign at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, urged ISA member states to resist industry pressure that may lead to significant environmental harm. NGOs and activists place their hopes on newly appointed ISA chief Leticia Carvalho, believing she will advocate for stricter regulations. Carvalho has called for measurable progress towards the mining code by July, while contemplating a revised timeline for negotiations.
The discussions in Jamaica have spotlighted the contentious issue of deep-sea mining, emphasizing the necessity for careful regulation to protect marine ecosystems. While some nations and advocates call for a halt to expedite regulatory processes, industry representatives press for prompt action to prevent financial risks. As negotiations continue, the challenge remains to find a balance between resource extraction and environmental preservation, ensuring equitable benefits for all nations involved.
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