While governments failed to set a clear direction on unlawful deep sea mining at the ISA in July, our hive in Toronto was buzzing with folks finding ways to take meaningful action against this new extractive frontier. Let’s dive into what the 31st session of the International Seabed Authority brought us, and what’s next.
Things got heated
Even before the 31st session of the international deep sea mining negotiations started, the debate was heated. Two subsidiaries of The Metals Company (TMC), NORI and TOML, launched legal proceedings against the ISA to try and block its investigation into their potential non-compliance. Luckily, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea finally ruled that the inquiry can continue.
However, the Council also decided to extend NORI’s exploration contract despite the company’s ties to unlawful US mining plans. Although the Council argued that this extension is separate from the ongoing investigation, the decision ultimately failed to set a clear precedent that unilateral unlawful deep sea mining will face repercussions.
No mining code adopted
The other biggest item on the agenda was the Mining Code — a set of rules and regulations that could greenlight the deep sea mining industry. Over the past decade, governments at the ISA have been negotiating if and how companies and countries could move from just exploring the global ocean floor to commercially mining it. With too many key issues remaining unresolved, not a lot of progress has been made there.
Instead, we saw countries increasingly recognizing the risks related to mining this undiscovered, fragile underwater world. In an impressive milestone, Mozambique, Mauritius and the Republic of the Congo announced their support for a moratorium on deep sea mining at the ISA meeting. This brings the total number of moratorium countries to 46, or more than a quarter of all the countries represented at the ISA. Talking about a strong sign!
Our beehive was buzzing
While these high-level negotiations were ongoing, Greenpeace Canada and allies co-hosted an evening workshop in Toronto with the Beehive Collective. Using their intricate mural “The Cost of Coal”, the collective facilitated critical dialogue, helping participants draw parallels between deep-sea extraction and other forms of mining. The creative, inspiring and open space allowed attendees to identify exactly what is at risk and learn more on how to take meaningful action.
So what’s next?
Now that the ISA has concluded without a strong warning against unlawful deep sea mining, it is time to continue the work at home. Even outside of the ISA framework, Canada has a legal obligation under UNCLOS to ensure no Canadian corporation engages in unilateral deep sea mining.
We have recently submitted a parliamentary petition that reminds the federal government of their responsibility to prevent Canadian corporations from undertaking unilateral mining activities in the international seabed area. Be sure to add your name so they will be reminded of just how big our movement is when they return to Parliament in September.
Thanks for following along, and onwards!
Stop Deep Sea Mining
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