FASS Meeting, 25 March 2015 Deep Sea Mining
The international seabed contains substantive mineral resources such as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides and ferromanganese crusts. Amongst others these comprise various precious metals and high technology raw materials. With an increasing demand for raw materials world wide exploration activities for mineral resources in the deep sea bed have gained a remarkable momentum in recent years. They make deep sea mining and commercial exploitation a likely reality within just one decade. Thus, twenty years after its foundation a new phase in the life of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is approaching: After the exploration phase the ISA is now envisaging a comprehensive Mining Code including regulations and procedures on the exploitation of mineral resources of the international seabed.
Preparatory works are already under way and it is envisaged that in the next 2-3 years a Mining Code will be negotiated at the ISA, based in Kingston, Jamaica. Thus providing a unique opportunity to mankind as to shape this regulatory framework before the mining even starts - especially with regard to environmental aspects. All members of the G7, being industrial countries have a natural interest in a reliable framework and a good governance of the exploitation of the resources of the seabed.
It is strived for the substantial mineral resources on the seabed to be exploited in an environmentally sustainable way, with reliable conditions for investors and with due regard to the interest of developing states. As the Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates, these resources are the "Common Heritage of Mankind" and belong to all.
- Approach / Next steps
This issue will be dealt with in the FASS process. It is envisaged to discuss this issue and the possible G7 input in substance at the next FASS meeting, taking place on 25 March 2015 in Berlin.
It is suggested to agree on a short and concise G7 position paper containing key principles that could serve as a timely input and
encouragement for the ISA and its work on the Mining Code on the basis of
the following key issues:
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The G7 may consider deep-sea mining an important future global policy field, both in terms of resources as well as technology. As an alternative and supplement to land-based mining, it offers many opportunities. At the same time the protection of the deep-sea environment, an area less explored than outer space, is an absolute priority.
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The G7 may call on our partners to undertake jointly and in a spirit of cooperation the endeavour to reconcile our respective interest in deep- seabed mining for the benefit of mankind with the need to protect the deep seabed environment as our common heritage.
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The G7 may welcome the International Seabed Authority working on its mining code as a priority to set in place comprehensive regulations and procedures on the exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources on the international seabed for the decades to come.
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The G7 may commit to the following general principles for any deep-sea mining exploitation:
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For deep-sea mineral resources to be exploited in an environmentally sustainable way and that will protect the marine environment from harmful effects. This includes an obligation to carry out strategic environmental assessments, the application of the precautionary approach and the application of Best Available Technique and Best Environmental Practice.
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To promote reliable and attractive conditions for investors as incentives for first movers. A reliable regulatory framework is essential for investors in order to initialize the next steps on the path to commercial deep-sea mining.
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To stress that due regard must be given to the interests of developing states, landlocked states, and in particular small island developing states and any affected coastal population.
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To call for an early and broad involvement of all relevant stakeholders.