Deep Sea Mining: Impending Permits and Potential Consequences

Negotiations are underway at the International Seabed Authority, a United Nations organization responsible for regulating the world’s ocean floor. These discussions could lead to the opening of the international seabed for mining activities, including the extraction of materials crucial for the green energy transition.

After years of negotiations, the authority is approaching a critical juncture where it will soon start accepting applications for mining permits. This development raises concerns about the potential impacts on sparsely researched marine ecosystems and deep-sea habitats.

Let’s delve into what deep sea mining entails, why companies and countries are seeking permits for it, and why environmental activists are expressing apprehension.

What is Deep Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining involves the extraction of mineral deposits and metals from the seabed. There are three primary types of deep sea mining: collecting polymetallic nodules rich in deposits from the ocean floor, mining massive seafloor sulphide deposits, and removing cobalt crusts from rocks.

These nodules, deposits, and crusts contain valuable materials like nickel, rare earths, cobalt, and more. These materials are essential for batteries, renewable energy technologies, and everyday devices such as cellphones and computers.

The engineering and technology employed in deep sea mining are still evolving. Some companies are exploring the use of massive pumps to vacuum materials from the seafloor, while others are developing artificial intelligence-based technology to train deep sea robots in nodule collection. Advanced machines capable of mining materials from the sides of large underwater mountains and volcanoes are also being considered.

Companies and governments consider these resources strategically important, particularly as onshore reserves deplete and demand continues to rise.

Current Regulations for Deep Sea Mining

Countries individually manage their maritime territories and exclusive economic zones. However, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea governs the high seas and the international ocean floor. This convention applies to all states, regardless of whether or not they have ratified it. According to the treaty, the seabed and its mineral resources are considered the “common heritage of mankind” and should be managed in a manner that protects humanity’s interests by sharing economic benefits, supporting marine scientific research, and preserving marine environments.

Mining companies interested in deep sea exploitation are partnering with countries to obtain exploration licenses. Over 30 exploration licenses have been issued so far, with most of the activity concentrated in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, spanning 1.7 million square miles (4.5 million square kilometers) between Hawaii and Mexico.

Why the Pressure on the International Seabed Authority to Establish Regulations?

In 2021, Nauru, a Pacific island nation, applied to the International Seabed Authority, in partnership with mining company Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., to exploit minerals in a designated deep sea area. This triggered a clause in the U.N. treaty, requiring the authority to finalize regulations for deep sea mining by July 2023. Failure to meet this deadline would allow Nauru to proceed with mining operations without any governing regulations.

If the U.N. body fails to approve a set of rules and regulations by July 9, other countries and private companies can start applying for provisional licenses. However, experts believe that the approval process is unlikely to be completed within the designated timeframe, as it typically takes several years.

Environmental Concerns Surrounding Deep Sea Mining

Only a small portion of the deep seabed has been explored, leading conservationists to worry about potential damage to ecosystems caused by mining, especially in the absence of robust environmental protocols.

Mining activities can result in noise, vibration, and light pollution, as well as potential leaks and spills of fuels and chemicals used in the mining process. Sediment plumes generated during certain mining methods pose a significant concern. After extracting valuable materials, slurry sediment plumes are sometimes pumped back into the sea, which can harm filter feeding species like corals and sponges, and interfere with various organisms.

The full extent of the implications for deep sea ecosystems remains unclear. However, scientists have warned of inevitable biodiversity loss, which could be irreversible.

What Lies Ahead?

The Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority, responsible for developing regulations for deep sea mining, will convene in early July to discuss the draft mining code.

The earliest possible commencement of mining operations under the authority’s regulations is projected to be 2026. Mining applications will need to be considered, and environmental impact assessments must be conducted.

In the meantime, some companies, including Google, Samsung, and BMW, have pledged to avoid using minerals mined from the ocean as per the World Wildlife Fund’s call. Over a dozen countries, such as France, Germany, and several Pacific Island nations, have officially advocated for a ban, pause, or moratorium on deep sea mining until environmental safeguards are in place. However, it remains unclear how many countries support such mining. On the other hand, countries like Norway are proposing the opening of their waters to mining.

This article on deep sea mining is brought to you by Big Big News, with support from several private foundations. Learn more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP bears sole responsibility for all content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about deep sea mining

More about deep sea mining

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
• International Seabed Authority
• Deep Sea Mining
• Environmental Concerns of Deep Sea Mining
• Impacts of Deep Sea Mining on Marine Ecosystems
• The Metals Company – Nauru Ocean Resources Inc.
• World Wildlife Fund – Deep Sea Mining Pledge
• Deep Sea Ecology Research
• Overview of Deep Sea Mining