Deep Seabed Now Open for Mining Applications

Companies can now apply to mine the deep sea floor for valuable minerals, despite the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the exploitation of some of the world’s most fragile and least understood ecosystems. 

The International Seabed Authority — a United Nations-backed organization charged with regulating deep sea mining in international waters — has struggled to finalize rules for where and how countries could exploit the deep sea, ultimately missing a July 9 deadline imposed two years ago when the island nation of Nauru triggered a clause in a U.N. treaty. Now, ISA technically has to start accepting deep-sea mining applications, which must be co-sponsored by a country, though it is unlikely to issue permits for some time. Several governments are calling for the ISA to reject all applications until rules are finalized.

The deep sea floor represents a treasure trove of minerals like cobalt, manganese and nickel that proponents say are crucial for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The U.S. Geological survey estimates that deep sea mining could supply 35 to 45% of demand for these minerals by 2065. But the seafloor is also full of largely unexplored biological treasures, including iron-clad snails, elephant-eared octopuses and dancing yeti crabs. Mining represents a major threat to this deep sea life, and could cause the extinction of species not yet discovered. 

“Right now, there’s very little standing between the natural wonders of the deep ocean and the mining machines,” said François Chartier, Greenpeace France Oceans campaigner, in a statement.

Developing rules that balance the need for these minerals with preserving biodiversity has proven challenging for the ISA, in part because scientists don’t fully understand the ecological implications of deep sea mining. While ISA has issued exploration contracts, companies are still barred from commercial mining, a stance which could change now that the ISA must accept applications. The body is meeting Monday in Jamaica, giving members a chance to discuss how to proceed.

"A lot of countries are saying that we don't need to rush and need more time to develop regulations," said Pradeep Singh, an expert on ocean governance and fellow at the Research Institute for Sustainability at Helmholtz Centre Potsdam. Given growing opposition, Singh said it's unlikely that ISA would approve an application, even if one were submitted.

Mining companies are currently testing three different strategies for extracting minerals from the seafloor, each of which poses significant risks. The most promising approach, which involves vacuuming mineral-packed nodules from the seafloor through miles-long tubes, can damage the seafloor and kick up plumes of sediment that can degrade water quality across hundreds of miles. Noise pollution, which can interfere with animal communication and navigation, and toxicity from mining activities also worry marine biologists.

In the absence of regulations, countries that sponsor mining companies would be liable for any damages incurred by deep sea mining. "If you sponsor a company without the regulations, you're signing a blank check saying that whatever liability is there, we are going to assume it," said Singh.

Given this uncertainty around deep sea mining's long-term impacts, at least 16 governments, including France, Germany and the Dominican Republic, want to press pause on any mining operations. Several countries have already drafted a request to freeze consideration of mining applications until rules are finalized.

“More governments are listening to the science and stepping up efforts to stop deep sea mining from starting this year,” Chartier said.