Deep-Sea Mining: The Battle for Our Ocean’s Future

By Khadija Stewart

The future of our ocean is hanging in the balance. The recent 30th Council meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), held recently in Kingston, Jamaica, brought this reality into sharp focus. The gathering drew a powerful mix of voices, scientists, Indigenous leaders, youth advocates, civil society organizations, and states, clashing over a critical question: Why rush to open the deep sea, Earth’s final frontier, to reckless industrial exploitation? While some states pushed for rapid mining regulations, others joined in urgent calls for restraint, deeper understanding, and unwavering protection.

 Inside the ISA Council Meeting

The meeting, chaired by newly appointed Secretary General Leticia Carvalho, saw robust participation from various stakeholders. As RISE UP’s new Senior Campaigner, I joined the TBA 21 delegation on the ground to advocate for stronger protections – both environmental and cultural. . Despite a vocal push by some States to fast-track mining regulations, the prevailing tone was of caution.

Some key developments included: 

• A growing Call for A Moratorium : Many States reaffirmed their support for a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, citing concerns over the lack of scientific research and potential irreversible environmental harm.

• Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH): After sustained pressure from civil society, Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) was finally discussed during the first week of the ISA Council meeting. Countries like Palau, Morocco (on behalf of the African Group), Australia, and Costa Rica emphasized that cultural heritage must be safeguarded alongside environmental protection. Indigenous voices also raised the significance of both tangible and intangible UCH, highlighting how cultural memory, spiritual connections, and ancestral knowledge are deeply tied to the deep sea.

• Test and Pilot Mining Proposal: A new joint proposal from China, Germany, and Belgium suggests  making test mining a mandatory step before exploitation. They also proposed a new phase of pilot mining, where  larger-scale operations would take place under exploitation contracts. While this approach could make deep-sea mining too expensive for private companies  like The Metals Company (TMC), it may be more feasible for state-owned  enterprises, especially China. Concerns remain about whether exploitation contracts can be terminated if pilot mining shows harmful impacts to the marine environment.

• Standards and Guidelines Debate: The Council discussed a preliminary list of 42 Standards & Guidelines, which are essential to the regulatory framework beyond the Mining Code. The number of guidelines is expected to rise significantly, with estimates suggesting up to  80 may be needed. Costa Rica and the African Group pointed out that tthe  guidelines are not yet comprehensive and called for a more transparent consultation process. Developing countries also stressed the need for technical support and capacity-building to comply with these standards.

The Metal’s Company Bold Move & Backlash That Followed 

A significant flashpoint emerged when The Metals Company (TMC) made a groundbreaking  announcement, revealing plans to leverage the United States to fast-track mining in international waters. This bold move aimed at dismantling  international law and bypassing  the ISA’s regulatory framework provoked immediate backlash.

Secretary General Leticia Carvalho responded firmly, condemning TMC’s actions as a violation of international law that undermines multilateralism and threatens the global governance framework established under UNCLOS. Several countries , including France, Ireland, Costa Rica, and even some who have previously supported mining, emphasized that the ISA is meant to serve as a regulator, not a mere rubber stamp for corporate interests.

Side Events & Parallel Discussions

Alongside the formal negotiations,a series of side events hosted by various organizations provided alternative  perspectives and encouraged deeper  public engagement on the issue. While several events organized by contractors focused on promoting DSM, they generally saw lower attendance  and less enthusiasm. 

Here are some of the standout events::

• DOSI’s Event: Showcased cutting-edge dark oxygen research and highlighted the ecological risks that DSM could pose to the deep-sea environment.

• Irish Event (Pew & Oceano Azul): Provided a critical overview of outstanding matters in the regulations, stressing the need for caution and comprehensive scientific assessments before mining.

• WWF Report Launch: Demonstrated how DSM conflicts with nearly all Global Biodiversity Framework targets and 16 of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

• Cultural Connections Panel: Hosted by Tetiaroa Society, Te Ipukarea Society, Maui Nui Makai Network, and DSCC, this event focused on Indigenous perspectives regarding cultural heritage and the importance of including Indigenous knowledge in ISA decision-making processes.

I have been attending the ISA meetings for the past three years, starting in July 2022, and I can confidently say that I have witnessed a drastic shift in the nature of conversations and the proceedings of these meetings. A few years ago, the word “moratorium” was almost taboo, rarely welcomed or promoted. Yet, today we have at least 32 countries either calling for a moratorium, precautionary pause, or outright deep-sea protection. Conversations have expanded beyond the narrow focus of economic exploitation to increasingly include issues of culture, the environment, and the rights of future generations. 

During this meeting, I had the opportunity to give an intervention, emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural heritage within the ISA’s decision-making processes. However, one concerning trend remains: despite these progressive discussions, there are still statements being made that presume deep-sea mining will eventually begin . This assumption is alarming given the significant gaps in scientific knowledge, cultural considerations, and environmental safeguards.

Looking Ahead : Preparing for July

While the ISA Council meeting was a crucial step, the real battle is far from over. The upcoming Council meeting in July will be decisive, as pro-mining forces are expected to intensify their push for exploitation while resistance against DSM continues to grow.

Call to Action:

• Share Your Views: Have your say on deep-sea mining through our online form
• Join Our Upcoming Webinar: Learn more about the ISA negotiations and what’s at stake for our ocean. Save the Date: 7 May  3 pm CET
• Mobilize for July: Get ready to  join our collective effort as we advocate for a moratorium and push for  meaningful community inclusion.
• Amplify the Call: Use your platforms to demand a precautionary pause on DSM until comprehensive research, inclusive consultation, and sound governance frameworks are established.
  

The deep sea is a vital part of our planet’s life support system, and its exploitation could have catastrophic consequences for biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. Our fight to protect it continues.

Stay tuned for more updates and calls to action.