France and Germany are leading the charge against plans to permit large-scale commercial deep-sea mining, raising concerns that China-backed efforts to extract battery metals from the sea floor could cause lasting damage. Representatives from 168 member states of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will gather for three weeks of negotiations to establish the first operating guidelines for the nascent industry. Many countries, including China, South Korea, Russia, and Norway, are in favor of advancing with deep-sea mining due to fears of a global shortage of battery metals. However, France, Germany, and Chile argue for a cautious approach, advocating for a pause on deep-sea activities until proper regulations are in place to protect the environment.
The legal framework for the seabed in international waters is described as “extraordinary” and comparable to the laws governing space exploration. This framework allows the world at large to have a stake in a development project, rather than leaving it solely to the rich countries. France, Germany, and Chile are working to extend the pause on deep-sea mining to ensure better protection of the poorly understood ecosystem before any further activity takes place. However, they face an uphill battle against the proponents of deep-sea mining who have the support of China, amongst others.
The ISA is facing allegations of a pro-mining bias, though it claims to support a precautionary approach. However, any decision to permit mining will ultimately rest with member states. The UK, for example, is pushing for the establishment of appropriate regulations before any mining operations can commence. Negotiations on profit-sharing in the industry are expected to be intense, with developing countries fearing that the principle of compensation, which redistributes profits to countries with land-based mining industries, could be diluted. A group of African countries has proposed a 45% effective tax rate on mining profits, while China advocates for a lower rate of just 2%.
China is betting on deep-sea mining to maintain its dominance over critical mineral supply chains, as terrestrial mines decline in productivity. It holds the most exploration licenses, including in a highly fertile zone in the Pacific Ocean, and is sending a significant delegation to the ISA meetings. The US, though not a member of the ISA, raised concerns about China’s aggressive steps to dominate seabed mining. While major powers vie for control, middle-income countries like Brazil face complex decisions. Brazil recently extended the limits of its continental shelf to exclude it from the jurisdiction of the ISA, but is considering whether to publicly support a pause on deep-sea mining for financial and environmental reasons.
Overall, the negotiations at the ISA will determine the future of deep-sea mining and its potential impact on the environment and global mineral supply chains. France and Germany, along with other countries, are advocating for caution and stricter regulations to prevent irreversible damage to the seabed ecosystem.
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