Source: DTE

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Context :

1. On March 17 2025,  170 member states & European Union (EU) gathered in Jamaica.
2. There will be talks on the controversial issue of deep sea mining.
3. The talks taking place during the 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
4. ISA is responsible for regulating mining activities in international waters.

What is Deep-Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining involves extracting minerals and metals from the sea floor.

These materials are vital for renewable energy technologies and the manufacture of devices such as mobile phones and computers.

There are 3 main types of deep sea mining:

1. Polymetallic nodules: Rich in nickel, cobalt and other metals, these are extracted from the sea floor.
2. Massive sulfide deposits on the sea floor: These contain metals such as copper and gold.
3. Cobalt-rich crusts: Extracted from rock on the sea floor.

Industry Pressure:

1. Despite the ongoing negotiations mining companies are moving ahead with their plans.
2. For example Canada based Metals Company plans to apply for an exploitation plan in June 2025.
3. It is increasing pressure on the negotiations.

Challenges in Negotiating the Mining Code:

1. More than 2000 points of the mining code are under debate until March 2025.
2. Experts also warn that adopting the code could take time.
3. A November 2024 study also highlighted 30 unresolved issues in the draft regulations. It includes the need for more accurate environmental baseline data, monitoring & compliance measures.

Key Outstanding Issues:

• The draft mining code still faces several unresolved challenges:
• Defining acceptable environmental harm.
• Enhancing monitoring compliance & enforcement systems.
• Addressing concerns related to underwater cultural heritage, insurance and liability issues.

Pressure to Proceed Without Full Regulations:

• Pro mining countries are pushing to begin reviewing mining applications even before the mining code is fully finalised.
• The ISA Council also includes India. And it is expected to discuss how to handle mining applications in late 2025.

Mining Industry's Urgency:

• Mining companies insist that deep sea mining is essential to meet future metal demands for the global energy transition because terrestrial mining will not be enough.
• In 2021 Republic of Nauru invoked the 2 year rule by notifying the ISA of its intention to apply for a mining contract. It is forcing the adoption of exploitation rules within 2 years.

Current Exploration Contracts:

• The ISA has awarded 30 exploration contracts since 2001.
• India has two exploration contracts in the Indian Ocean & Norway plans to exploit minerals within its exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf.

Environmental concerns:

Scientists still have limited information about the impact of deep sea mining on ecosystems as only a small portion of the deep sea floor has been explored.

There are concerns about loss of biodiversity which may be irreversible and various environmental risks, such as:

• Noise, vibration and light pollution.
• Leaks or spills of chemicals used in mining.
• Flocks of sediment that can harm marine life, such as corals and sponges.

About The International Seabed Authority (ISA):

• Established: 1994 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Role: Regulates all mining-related activities on the ocean floor in international waters.
• Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica.
• Members: 168 members, including 167 countries and the EU.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):

• UNCLOS was adopted in 1982.
• it sets the legal framework for the use of the world's oceans and their resources.
• It considers the sea floor and its mineral resources to be the common heritage of mankind.
• it stipulates that these resources should benefit humanity with a focus on economic partnerships, marine research & environmental protection.

Source: DTE