The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has commenced a pivotal two-week meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, to finalize the world’s first seabed mining regulations by 2025. The 36-member council is expected to negotiate the latest draft of these rules and elect a new secretary-general, with Brazilian marine scientist Leticia Carvalho challenging the incumbent, Michael Lodge.
Regulatory Efforts and Industry Push
Despite the absence of formal regulations, seabed mining could start this year. The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm, plans to submit a mining license application before the end of 2024. TMC’s efforts are bolstered by an ISA contract sponsored by Nauru, which triggered a provision requiring the ISA to establish mining regulations by 2023.
The ISA’s handling of mining applications is a key issue. Applications must be approved by the Legal and Technical Commission and need the support of at least one-third of the council members. The upcoming election of a new secretary-general is critical, as this leader will oversee ISA’s administrative functions and negotiate contracts with mining companies.
Environmental and Economic Stakes
The election outcome could significantly impact the enforcement of environmental assessments and safeguards. Carvalho, head of the marine and freshwater division at the UN Environment Programme, is seen as a potential shift from Lodge, who has been criticized for his close ties with mining contractors.
Proponents of seabed mining estimate it could supply up to 45% of the world’s critical metals by 2065. These metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese, are essential for battery production. A study commissioned by TMC claims that extracting these metals from the seafloor would have a lower environmental impact than traditional mining methods.
However, seabed mining faces significant opposition due to concerns about potential damage to aquatic ecosystems. Countries like France and Chile are advocating for policies to protect the marine environment. Meanwhile, Norway has already approved seabed mining exploration in its waters and opened its Arctic region for licensing.
China continues to advance in this field, recently achieving significant milestones with its deep-sea mining vehicles. This development underscores the competitive nature of global seabed mineral exploration.
As the ISA works towards establishing regulations, the balance between environmental protection and the economic benefits of seabed mining remains a contentious issue. The decisions made in this meeting will shape the future of seabed mining and its global impact.
Source: Mining.com
