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The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Congress is the world’s largest and most inclusive environmental decision-making forum.Ìý Now, with the first deep-sea mining operations looming, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ urges ISA Members to uphold the global moratorium in line with this democratic decision taken by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Members, which together represent over 160 countries.

At the 2021 Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Congress in Marseille, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Members voted to adopt calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining unless and until:

• the risks of mining are comprehensively understood and effective protection can be ensured;
• rigorous and transparent impact assessments are conducted based on comprehensive baseline studies;
• theÌýPrecautionary PrincipleÌýand the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ are implemented;
• policies incorporating circular economy principles to reuse and recycle minerals have been developed and implemented;
• mechanisms are in place to consult with the public throughout decision-making;
• the governance of deep-sea mining is transparent, accountable, inclusive, effective and environmentally responsible.

Scientific research strongly indicates that these conditions have not yet been met. For example, a from the mining industry association SystExt[1] concluded that:

• the technical and economic viability of seabed mining remains controversial;
• the risks, known and widely documented, are not acceptable;
• impacts cannot be assessed, managed or compensated;
• regulations are largely insufficient; and
• there is a need for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

In Resolution 122, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ notes that if deep-sea mining is permitted to occur, biodiversity loss in these unique ecosystems will be inevitable, and the consequences for ocean ecosystem function, and for humanity, could be vast.

Subsequently, many voices have joined the call for a ban, pause or moratorium on deep-sea mining[2]. In addition to civil society actions and demonstrations, 12 statesÌýhave taken positions against such activities in international waters[3], along with a growing number of companies[4].

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction and their mineral resources are common heritage of humankind. However, large strips of theÌý that for years companies have been trying to tap into.

Mining activities in the deep seabed could now be authorised by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) as early as mid-2023. In June 2021, the Government of Nauru notified the ISA of their intention to start deep-sea mining, triggering a rush to finalise the ISA regulations despite the existing knowledge gaps and lack of safeguards.

However, ISA member states still retain the power to delay or postpone the commencement of mining activities, as demonstrated in a recent of the issue by a member of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥â€™s World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL).

As negotiations are due to continue at ISA’s 28th Session of the International Seabed Authority this year, the coming months will be decisive. Nothing currently justifies embarking on deep-sea mining activities, including in international waters. As ISA member states, I urge you to heed the outcome of the vote on Resolution 122 and broader call of the global community, by following the advice from science and upholding the moratorium on deep-sea mining.

Sincerely,

Dr Bruno Oberle
Director General