Kingston, Jamaica -The 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority, which starts today in Kingston, Jamaica is the first of new Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, a scientist whose appointment brings an opportunity to reset the ISA's focus away from prioritising deep sea mining industry interests and towards its mandate of protecting the seabed for all.[1][2]
In stark contrast with Carvalho's science-driven approach, delegates are being forced to address The Metals Company's (TMC) threat to submit the world's first ever deep sea mining application for the international seabed in June without any rules and regulations in place.[3] TMC are seeking regulatory certainty from governments at this meeting, calling on governments to deliver a pathway to greenlight the start of deep sea mining despite growing headwinds.
Greenpeace International campaigner Louisa Casson, who is attending the meeting, said: "The deep sea mining industry is crumbling and resorting to increasingly desperate tactics as they lose support from governments and investors. The last weeks have repeatedly shown that companies are failing to live up to their hype and downsizing plans before they've even started. There's never been a better time for governments to take decisive action to protect the ocean from this faltering, risky industry."
The deep sea mining industry is facing significant challenges due to the lack of financing; the unavailability of ships and delays with building its equipment; mining test results failing to support industry claims of little harm; general growing distrust of its viability; new battery chemistries moving away from minerals found in the deep sea, more evidence that opening the ocean frontier will neither halt nor reduce terrestrial mining for nickel and cobalt and the improbability of getting a green light from governments at the ISA to operate.[4][5][6][7][8]
Earlier this year, in a further sign of a faltering industry, TMC gave up one third of their exploration areas in the north-eastern Pacific Ocean.[9]
Alongside the threat of the first-ever commercial mining application, deep sea mining contractors have sent a joint letter to the ISA Council complaining they have spent US$2 billion and yet governments have not finalised the Mining Code. The letter was challenged by Indigenous representatives attending the ISA.[10][11]
Louisa Casson added: "Deep sea mining companies seem to be confused about the role of the ISA. Governments are not gathered here to protect corporate interests but to co-operate on how to preserve the ocean for future generations. The only way to responsibly respond to these dangerous threats is by putting a moratorium in place."
Thirty-two governments have voiced opposition to the start of deep sea mining and calling for a moratorium at the International Seabed Authority in 2025.
