Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said the country would not support deep-seabed mining within its exclusive economic zone during the 2025 United Nations Oceans Conference last month in France. During the conference, Marape said there was insufficient scientific evidence to prove that deep-sea mining is environmentally safe. The comment aligns with a joint declaration signed by the prime…
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Tesla Inc. investors have voted down a moratorium on sourcing electric vehicle battery metals from deep seabeds during its annual shareholder meeting, reported Bloomberg. Nonprofit As You Sow filed a proposal in December asking the shareholders to impose a ban on mining in the biodiverse ecosystem. While commercial deep-sea mining has yet to begin, Bloomberg noted that the industry aims…
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The U.N. International Seabed Authority’s council commenced the first part of its 29th session on 18 March, setting the stage for two weeks of discussions aimed at progressing draft deep-sea mining regulations. In his welcoming address, ISA Secretary-General Michael W. Lodge expressed his gratitude and optimism for the proceedings. “It is heartening to see many delegations present and poised to…
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The UK government is inviting experts and academics alike to be a part of a newly formed environmental science network to investigate the impact of deep-sea mining. The group will be UK-based and will be tasked with gathering scientific data and carrying out research to assess the impacts. It will also work alongside the UK’s decision to support a moratorium…
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U.N.-backed regulator Council of the International Seabed Authority ruled out any immediate permission for deep-sea mining to begin after a meeting in Jamaica ended without agreement on how to regulate the industry, reported Reuters.
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Those eyeing the opportunity to mine the ocean’s floor will finally get their chance beginning in July when the United Nations’ International Seabed Authority will reportedly open the floor for applications.
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