Update on Deep-Sea Mining and the Fight for a Global Moratorium

This July, global leaders are gathering in Kingston, Jamaica, at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to finalize and negotiate international regulations on deep-sea mining.

Learn more about what this means and what is at stake for the ocean.

Deep-Sea Mining is in the Spotlight this July

The deep sea has reached an inflection point when it comes to the future of this critical ecosystem—and the world is taking notice.

The most important meeting in our generation's history on deep-sea mining is now officially underway, with global leaders gathering in Jamaica this month to make some of the most important decisions regarding the future of our deep sea—the largest and most pristine habitat on Earth.

From July 10-28, member states, delegates, and representatives are convening at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) 28th Session Council & Assembly Meetings to finalize regulations and negotiations on if and how mining the seabed for minerals can take place on a commercial and international scale.

(Spoiler alert: this is a really bad idea. We have the science and the backing of hundreds of experts to prove it.)

The Role of the International Seabed Authority

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is the governing body responsible for monitoring and regulating deep-sea activity, with a particular emphasis on deep-sea mining.

Based in Kingston, Jamaica, and formed in 1982 through the United Nations, the ISA is mandated to ensure “marine environments are protected from harmful, deep-sea mining-related effects.”

Despite this mandate, the ISA has awarded dozens of licenses for exploration over the years, many of which also hypothetically allow for extraction for "research purposes."

Many have questioned the integrity and validity of the ISA due to its controversial relationship and vested interest with key players in the deep-sea mining industry such as the Metals Company.

The "Two-Year Rule"

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The urgency with which we are campaigning against deep-sea mining is due to the “two-year rule” — a legal clause that was triggered in July 2021 when the island state of Nauru announced its intentions to begin deep-sea mining for profit.

Because of this, mining licenses could be issued as early as July 2023, even if the regulations are not finished.

This means that the ISA is now looking to finalize its rule book on mineral exploitation in the depths of the ocean, or we risk deep-sea mining proceeding without environmental regulations.

The Growing Wave of Resistance Against Deep-Sea Mining

Since the two-year rule went into effect, SOA and our partner organizations have been dedicated to advocating and campaigning against deep-sea mining to spread awareness and incite action to stop this destructive practice—before it truly begins.

Collectively, we have made significant progress, with 18 member states now having made official positions against deep-sea mining from taking place in international waters.

2-Jul-13-2023-06-52-38-2207-PM In addition to the growing international commitments from member states, deep-sea mining has also been hitting major headlines across the globe.

From recent research findings of 5,000+ new deep-sea species being discovered to the fishing industry backing a moratorium on deep-sea mining to protect global fish stocks, our allies in this fight go beyond the scope of governments and elected officials.

For more information on these recent discoveries and announcements, visit the Additional Resources section at the end of this blog.

What Comes Next?

This momentum is a clear signal to the ISA that informed opposition to deep-sea mining is gaining tremendous international traction amidst these July meetings.

SOA will be joining our Regional Representatives for these meetings in Kingston over the next few weeks as we continue our work on the ground and give a voice to the hundreds of thousands of global citizens and youth who stand against deep-sea mining.

We will be providing firsthand critical updates from the ISA meetings with insight into what is being discussed, negotiated, and agreed upon.

Keep up with what is happening at the ISA 28th Session with Deep Sea Conservation Coalition's ISA Negotiations Tracker.

How YOU Can Help

If you’re ready to take action here are a few steps you can take to prevent deep-sea mining:

Ocean Advocates:

Add your voice to our calls to #DefendTheDeep across social media by resharing and following our social media posts on Linkedin, Instagram, Tiktok, and Threads.
Sign SOA’s Petition Against Deep-Sea Mining, in partnership with The Oxygen Project, Only One, and Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.
Sign the Indigenous-Led Petition Against Deep Sea Mining with Blue Climate Initiative.
Sign these regional petitions for Argentina, Mexico, and the UK.
Use Deep Sea Conservation Coalition's Social Media Toolkit to Say No to Deep-Sea Mining at the ISA 28th Session
Participate in Look Down Action's online activations and toolkits.
Encourage your government and representatives to oppose the industry. More than a dozen exploration contracts issued by ISA are held by these countries: China, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea.

Investors:

Divest from these deep-sea mining companies:

The Metals Company, formerly known as DeepGreen
UK Seabed Resources, acquired by Loke Marine Minerals from Lockheed Martin in March 2023
Global Sea Mineral Resources