The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently working on a draft mining code for deep-sea mining, a process that has been ongoing for years. While commercial mining in international waters has not yet begun, countries can currently undertake such activities within their own territorial waters or exclusive economic zones.
According to a UN report, even after the international code is finalized, deep-sea mining operations will continue to face significant hurdles. These include high capital and operational costs compared to conventional mining, as well as substantial technical uncertainties inherent in ocean floor extraction.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the international seabed is the “common heritage of humankind,” a principle established by the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. He called for unified global efforts in climate action, biodiversity preservation, and marine protection, acknowledging the deep ocean as one of humanity’s last frontiers, holding both great promise and requiring significant caution. Guterres commended the ISA’s dedication to finding balanced and effective solutions, highlighting its 30-year role in safeguarding this shared realm through peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive governance. He stressed the importance of advancing science-based cooperation to protect the ocean for the benefit of all.
In addition to progress on the mining code, the ISA recently launched its Deep-Sea Biobank. This initiative aims to collect and preserve samples from the ocean floor, fostering knowledge sharing that will benefit all nations, notably developing countries.The biobank will facilitate the study of minerals, exploration, and exploitation potential, as well as the preservation and study of biodiversity and genetics.
The ISA envisions a future where the deep sea is carefully managed and nurtured. The authority anticipates becoming stronger, more enhanced, wider, and wiser, possessing a greater understanding of this environment than it dose today.
