In a recent press release by Agence France-Presse, researchers highlighted the urgent need for a cautious approach to regulating deep-sea mining. The call for a "precautionary approach" emphasizes the importance of safeguarding ecosystems that are not yet fully understood. With the imminent possibility of exploitation of deep-sea resources like nickel, cobalt, and copper, which are critical for renewable energy technologies, the stakes are high as the world grapples with balancing ecological preservation with economic interests.
Polymetallic nodule found with a shark tooth inside. Taken from a 5000 m-depth of the Pacific ocean. Image Credit: V.Gordeev/Shutterstock.com
Background
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), an independent organization established under a United Nations convention, regulates the deep-sea mining sector. Discussions surrounding the creation of a mining code have been ongoing since the ISA was formed in 1994, but the urgency has escalated significantly in recent years.
A legal clause invoked by the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru has allowed any country to apply for mining contracts on behalf of companies they sponsor. Consequently, there is a pressing need for completed regulations, particularly as companies such as Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., a subsidiary of The Metals Company (TMC), plan to extract polymetallic nodules as soon as 2026.
This backdrop of heightened tension highlights the key controversies surrounding deep-sea mining, where pressing demands for resources clash with the imperative to protect the environment.
Why is Deep-Sea Mining so Controversial?
Despite being in an exploratory phase, deep-sea mining involves complex and sophisticated technological methods to extract minerals from the ocean floor. The deep-sea ecosystems, which are still being studied, comprise intricate habitats formed by structures such as polymetallic nodules containing valuable minerals that play a role in the ocean's ecological balance.
The ISA is working diligently to establish regulations that govern the extraction processes while minimizing disruptions to these delicate ecosystems. The technical methodologies underlying deep-sea mining involve various approaches to locating, extracting, and processing these minerals, requiring advanced mechanical technologies capable of functioning under extreme ocean conditions.
The ISA's commitment to a science-based approach in drafting these regulations, spearheaded by Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, aims to facilitate sustainable practices while navigating the complexities of an industry fraught with ecological implications.
Balancing Profit and Preservation: The Deepening Divide over Seabed Mining Regulations
As discussions progress, the ISA's Council remains divided on the timeline for enacting the mining code. Some member states express eagerness to initiate mining activities, signaling a desire to capitalize on the mineral wealth that the seabed may offer. However, alternative factions advocate for a moratorium or an outright ban on seabed exploitation until a comprehensive regulatory framework is established.
The need to rebuild trust within this governing body is paramount, particularly following prior claims against ISA leadership of prioritizing mining interests over environmental concerns.
The recent discovery that polymetallic nodules contribute to oxygen production on the ocean floor has intensified the conversation about environmental risks. The TMC has publicly rejected these findings, compounding the skepticism around deep-sea mining's ecological consequences.
Carvalho points out that while the potential for significant extraction exists, dispelling misconceptions regarding the projected scale of mining activities is vital. Approximately 0.13 % of the world's seabed is identified as potentially mineable territory, a fraction that nonetheless encapsulates broader implications for global environmental health.
As scientific inquiries into deep-sea ecosystems continue, a clearer picture of their dynamics emerges. Carvalho notes that deep-sea habitats typically function under unique environmental conditions and exhibit lower population densities, contributing to their fragility. This raises critical questions about the long-term consequences of initiating mining operations within these poorly understood environments. Given these nuanced dynamics, establishing a precautionary framework within the regulatory code is imperative to safeguard vulnerable species and their ecosystems and maintain the ocean's role in larger climatic processes.
Navigating the Future of Deep-Sea Mining: Meeting Mineral Needs Without Compromising Ocean Health
In light of the ongoing discussions around deep-sea mining, the ISA's commitment to a precautionary regulatory approach is critical to addressing the environmental challenges inherent in this industry.
Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho highlights the need for a responsible approach to managing ocean resources—one that strikes a balance between protecting marine ecosystems and meeting the rising demand for minerals critical to renewable energy technologies. Her remarks call for open, informed dialogue that recognizes both environmental priorities and the realities of the clean energy transition.
The comparison of immediate economic interests against the imperative for sustainable practices captures the essence of the debate surrounding deep-sea mining.
As the ISA works toward finalizing the mining code, the outcomes of these discussions are poised to hold significant implications for the future of mineral resource development and the health of the oceans that contain them. The call for caution and thoughtful regulatory frameworks will be essential as the world navigates this complex and urgent issue.
Source:
Hussein, S. (2025) Official calls for cautious approach in deep-sea mining regulations. Agence France-Presse. [Online] Available at: https://phys.org/news/2025-03-cautious-approach-deep-sea.html (Accessed on March 14, 2025).