The Pacific island nation of Kiribati, with just 120,000 residents across 32 atolls, is at the center of a pivotal election that will determine the future of deep-sea mining. This contentious race for leadership of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will impact the global exploitation and conservation of ocean resources.
A Battle of Priorities
Leticia Carvalho, a Brazilian ocean scientist, has accused Kiribati’s ambassador, Teburoro Tito, of attempting to bribe her to drop out of the race for the ISA leadership. Tito denies this, claiming he merely suggested Carvalho step aside for Kiribati’s nominee, incumbent Michael Lodge. Lodge, who has held the position since 2016, denies any involvement.
The election has become the most contentious in the history of the Kingston, Jamaica-based ISA. Lodge, 64, aims to finalize mining regulations to launch a potentially multi-billion-dollar industry. Carvalho, 50, believes these regulations need more time to ensure the deep sea is protected from mining’s harmful effects. The next ISA leader will have significant influence over the exploitation of ocean reserves critical for electric vehicle batteries and will negotiate confidential contracts with mining companies.
Andrew Thaler, a Maryland-based deep sea scientist, emphasizes the importance of this election: “Whoever is secretary-general during this moment will have an enormous role to play.”
Stakes for Kiribati and the Industry
Kiribati operates Marawa Research and Exploration Ltd., holding an ISA contract to explore 75,000 square kilometers of the Pacific seabed. The company’s concession is at risk after an ISA inspection found compliance failures. The report is due later this year.
Kiribati supports Lodge, who was nominated for a third term after the UK declined to do so. Lodge has pushed to finalize the Mining Code ahead of the ISA’s 2025 target. As the August 2 election nears, the ISA’s pro-mining and conservation factions are increasing pressure on the candidates. Nineteen of the ISA’s 168 member states sponsor exploration licenses, while 27 have called for a moratorium on mining until its impacts are better understood.
Canadian-registered The Metals Company (TMC) holds mining contracts with three Pacific island nations, including Kiribati. TMC plans to apply for a mining license soon. Recent scientific findings suggest polymetallic nodules in TMC’s mining areas produce oxygen, prompting some ISA delegates to urge caution.
Election Dynamics and Accusations
Lodge seemed poised for re-election until Carvalho entered the race in March. Carvalho, a former federal environmental regulator and UN official, campaigns for transparency and accountability. The dispute between her and Tito in New York has galvanized her supporters and raised tensions at the ISA.
Carvalho alleges Tito offered her a job to drop out of the race, a claim corroborated by another meeting attendee. Tito denies offering a quid pro quo but admits informing Lodge of his suggestion. Lodge denies involvement in the matter.
Carvalho has also accused Lodge of using his position to campaign in multiple countries. Her supporters, including Germany and Costa Rica, have requested an accounting of ISA officials’ travel and spending. Lodge dismissed these claims, stating: “Any allegations of financial impropriety, on their face, lack any probative weight and persuasive force.”
The ISA provided Lodge’s travel itinerary, stating his trips were for official business and that all hiring followed rigorous international standards.
Source: Mining.com
