The future of deep-sea mining is a focus for world leaders this week, as country delegates and members from Pacific Civil Society gather at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) assembly in Kingston, Jamaica.
Discussions will highlight the deep-sea mining code as calls for a moratorium continue to grow. The assembly’s agenda was agreed on 28 July, with a science item put forward by Vanuatu scheduled to be heard today (30 July).
This news comes after the ISA decided to extend The Metals Company’s subsidiary Nauru Ocean Resources exploration contract.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific political coordinator Rae Bainteiti says the issue remains that there is not enough science to guarantee safety and protection of the ocean.
“As trustees of the ocean, the common heritage of humankind, our Pacific governments must stand firm against corporate interests that are pushing to move ahead with deep-sea mining outside the ISA framework,” Bainteiti says.
“If deep-sea mining goes ahead, Pacific communities will suffer the economic, cultural, and social consequences. We continue to call on all states to support a moratorium as the principled and responsible pathway to protect the ocean.”
As previously reported, the Australian Labor Party announced its support for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining late last week. Under the platform’s third chapter covering climate and environment, it states the federal government will “ensure the Australian Government leads ambitious international efforts for global agreements on a moratorium on deep–sea mining in international waters”.
Deep-sea mining has become a focal point of a debate on whether or not it should take place. It refers to the process of extracting mineral deposits from the ocean floor, typically at depths greater than 200m. These materials are considered essential building blocks for electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) reports that exploring the ocean requires a deep understanding of marine geology, ecology, climate science, and international law.
Currently, no country has fully operational commercial deep-sea mining, but exploration licences have been issued globally.
There are 45 countries, including seven Pacific nations, supporting the moratorium or a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Greenpeace
