Main image: Pacific Leaders Hold Banner outside ISA Conference Centre in Kingston, Jamaica. Copyright Gladstone Taylor
More than 30 nations are now calling for a halt to the start of deep sea mining, with five new announcements in support of a precautionary pause or a moratorium at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) negotiations in Jamaica.
Tuvalu, which had previously sponsored deep sea mining exploration, joined Austria, Honduras, Guatemala and Malta in announcing new strengthened positions, bringing the total to 32 nations across the Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The previous UK government declared support for a moratorium in October 2023.
More governments have attended these global negotiations than ever before, including the President of Palau and multiple ministers, in a sign of the increasing political prominence and public interest in deep sea mining.
There is added urgency with the Metals Company threatening to submit an application to start commercial mining in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.
Addressing the ISA with two of his children, President Surangel Whipps Jr of Palau said: ‘Let us not leave Jamaica having granted the mining industry a license to colonise the common heritage of humankind and destroy our greatest ally in our fight against climate change – our ocean.’
Last year, the Labour Party in the UK announced its support for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining.
Greenpeace UK is calling for the new government to speak out on the world stage against this destructive industry and to support a strong General Policy to protect the marine environment that could pave the way to a formal moratorium next year.
‘The tide is turning against deep sea mining as we discover more about the incredible wonders of the deep and the threats posed by mining the seabed. The UK must use its position on the world stage to speak out against this destructive industry and push other countries to join in calling for a global moratorium.’
BRIONY VENN
Oceans campaigner at Greenpeace UK
For the first time, delegates formally discussed a General Policy to protect the marine environment, which could provide the pathway to a formal pause or moratorium on deep sea mining.
A year ago, a group of pro-mining countries successfully blocked this discussion, but a renewed proposal backed by even more nations this year resulted in an agreement to keep discussions going with the aim of deciding next steps when the meeting concludes today (02 August).
‘The protection of a sacred ocean is not a technical mandate but rather a moral responsibility for us. Similar worldviews are shared by other Indigenous Peoples; the ocean is not just a resource but a foundation of life, culture, and sustenance that underpins and connects our relationship together. The potential environmental degradation caused by deep sea mining could severely impact our food security, disrupt our traditional practices, and undermine our cultural heritage.’
MONISE LAAFAI
Member of parliament for Tuvalu
A groundbreaking study recently revealed that the polymetallic nodules that mining companies want to extract may be producing oxygen in the deep ocean.
These findings made a strong impact at the meeting; several nations referenced this study to underline the need for precaution, while the Metals Company that part-funded the study disputed its findings in a side event.
Greenpeace launches Arctic expedition to survey marine mammals in area targeted for deep sea mining.
Whale warning as clock ticks towards deep sea mining – ‘more research is urgently needed’.
UK’s best-loved actors unite to urge government to end hypocrisy on ocean protection and halt destructive deep sea mining.
Deep sea mining’s murky corporate practices revealed by Greenpeace investigation.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Weekly ethical news, offers, comps and a free digital mag (quarterly) – what’s not to love?
