The International Seabed Authority (ISA), the UN body responsible for regulating the ocean floor, is poised to restart discussions that could pave the way for deep sea mining. This practice involves extracting valuable minerals, crucial for green technologies, from the ocean's depths. As negotiations approach a critical juncture, the ISA will soon be obligated to accept mining permit applications, sparking anxieties about the potential ecological impact on the largely unexplored deep-sea environment.

What exactly is Deep Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining targets mineral deposits and metals located on the ocean floor. Three primary methods exist: collecting polymetallic nodules scattered on the seabed, mining massive sulphide deposits, and extracting cobalt crusts from rocks. These resources contain essential materials like nickel, rare earth elements, and cobalt, vital for batteries and other components used in renewable energy technologies, as well as everyday electronics like smartphones and computers.

The technology employed for deep sea mining is continually evolving. Some companies are exploring the use of large pumps to vacuum materials from the seafloor. Others are developing AI-powered robots capable of selectively gathering nodules. Still others are designing sophisticated machinery to extract materials from the slopes of underwater mountains and volcanoes.

Governments and corporations view these resources as strategically crucial, anticipating increased demand and dwindling onshore reserves.

Current Regulation of Deep Sea Mining

While individual nations manage their own territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, the high seas and international ocean floor fall under the jurisdiction of the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas. This treaty designates the seabed and its mineral wealth as the "common heritage of mankind," mandating management practices that protect humanity's interests through shared economic benefits, support for marine research, and environmental preservation.

Fishing boats at sunrise in the Atlantic Ocean off Kennebunkport, Maine. The ISA's upcoming negotiations could open the international seabed for mining. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Mining companies seeking deep sea exploitation collaborate with nations to secure exploration licenses. Over 30 licenses have already been granted, primarily concentrated in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone between Hawaii and Mexico, covering a vast 1.7 million square miles.

The ISA Under Pressure

In 2021, Nauru partnered with The Metals Company's subsidiary, Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., to apply for mineral exploitation in a specific deep-sea area. This triggered a treaty clause requiring the ISA to finalize deep sea mining regulations by July 2023. Without these regulations, Nauru could proceed with mining applications in the absence of a governing framework.

Should the ISA fail to establish regulations by July 9th, other entities could also apply for provisional licenses. However, experts predict the regulatory process will likely extend over several years.

Environmental Concerns

With only a small fraction of the deep seabed explored, conservationists express serious concerns about potential ecosystem damage from mining activities, particularly without robust environmental protocols. Mining's impact includes noise, vibration, light pollution, and the risk of chemical spills.

Sediment plumes generated by certain mining processes pose a significant threat. Discharged back into the ocean after material extraction, these plumes can harm filter-feeding organisms like corals and sponges, potentially smothering other marine life.

While the full ecological ramifications remain unclear, scientists warn of unavoidable and potentially irreversible biodiversity loss.

Biologist Christopher Kelley, specializing in deep sea ecology, cautions against premature mining ventures in the deep sea, emphasizing the limited understanding of its biology, environments, and ecosystems.

The Path Forward

The ISA's Legal and Technical Commission will convene in early July to review the draft mining code. Mining under ISA regulations is unlikely to commence before 2026, pending application reviews and environmental impact assessments.

Meanwhile, companies like Google, Samsung, and BMW have joined the World Wildlife Fund's call to avoid using deep sea mined minerals. Over a dozen countries, including France, Germany, and several Pacific Island nations, have formally called for a ban or moratorium on deep sea mining until adequate environmental safeguards are established. Conversely, some countries like Norway are considering opening their waters to mining.