Nations aim to ink deep sea mining rules by 2025
The International Seabed Authority’s member nations on Friday agreed on a two-year roadmap for the adoption of deep sea mining regulations, despite conservationists’ calls for a moratorium on mineral extraction they say would avert marine threats.
The ISA, an intergovernmental body tasked with protecting the seabed, and its member states have spent the last decade trying to hash out a mining code for the possible exploitation of nickel, cobalt and copper in deep seabed areas that fall outside of national jurisdictions.
In Friday’s decision, the ISA Council, which had been negotiating in Jamaica for the past two weeks, said it “intends to continue the elaboration” of regulations “with a view to their adoption at the 30th session of the Authority” in 2025. This is an indicative target,” rather than a deadline, said council chairman Juan Jose Gonzalez Mijares.
Since July 9, after the expiration of a deadline triggered by the small Pacific state of Nauru in 2021, the ISA is obligated to consider — though not necessarily grant — licenses for potentially environmentally devastating mining operations if governments request them.
That would go beyond the status quo, which has so far only seen the body grant exploration permits, as the deep sea mining sector itches to take off in earnest.
“We are no longer in a ‘what if’ scenario, but rather ‘what now’,” Nauru’s ambassador to the ISA Margo Deiye said during the session, adding that her government planned to soon apply for a mining contract. This roadmap negotiated behind closed doors does not reflect the rapidly growing concern and opposition to deep sea mining,” said Sofia Tsenikli, speaking on behalf of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Greenpeace and WWF, among other advocates. A mining application could be made at any time. A moratorium is urgently needed,” she added.
Next week, the ISA Assembly and its 167 member states will discuss for the first time a “precautionary pause” in mining, supported by about 20 countries, including France, Chile and Brazil.
NGOs and scientists say that deep sea mining could destroy habitats and species that may still be unknown but are potentially vital to ecosystems. They also say it risks disrupting the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, and that its noise interferes with the communication of species such as whales.
Souirce: eNCA
In other news – Sweet father-son moment: Clip of Prince Kaybee playing with his son impresses Mzansi
Popular Mzansi DJ and musician, Prince Kaybee and his son are probably the cutest duo. The pair just lit up our timelines with a cute clip of them enjoying some quality dad-and-son time. In the video, Kaybee dances with the one-year-old before scooping him up and lifting him into the air.
In the comment section, fans couldn’t help but swoon after watching Kaybee with his little one. They also complimented the daddy-son duo on their stylish outfits. Learn more
