THE United Nations’ International Seabed Authority (ISA) is now meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, to consider new rules allowing firms to extract minerals from the ocean floor (deep sea mining), despite mounting concerns about the economic and environmental risks.

The 36-member ISA council will negotiate the latest draft of a long-awaited “mining code”, designed to regulate the exploration and extraction of “polymetallic nodules” and other deposits on the ocean floor.

While many are concerned about environmental risks, others are also looking for clarity about how proceeds from deep sea mining will eventually be shared.

The rush to complete the mining code was triggered by the Pacific island state of Nauru, which is expected to submit a mining licence application on behalf of Canada’s The Metals Company (TMC) later this year, regardless of whether or not regulations are complete.

But a growing number of states are saying they will not allow that to happen. Those states which are calling for a pause remain committed to negotiating the regulations, so it is not as if they are saying they don’t want deep sea mining to happen.

Locally the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) on Monday continued its push for Jamaican Government to join the growing calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining.

According to JET, the world is in the midst of a climate crisis and the deep sea, the largest ecosystem on the planet, makes up 90 per cent of the marine environment.

JET says the deep sea mitigates the worst impacts of climate breakdown by absorbing greenhouse gases and excess heat produced by human activity.

The entity charged that deep sea mining is being proposed by a few private entities as necessary for a green transition but poses significant threats.

“The science is clear, deep sea mining will cause irreversible damage to the marine environment, regardless of a regulatory framework. It is not needed for a green transition and will only benefit a few corporations. Sponsoring states like Jamaica are not expected to benefit much due to the significant risks and economic uncertainties surrounding large-scale deep sea mining.

“A moratorium, which is a longer-term time out on deep sea mining, would provide extended protection for marine ecosystems while allowing time to learn more about the deep sea and assess long-term potential impacts,” said JET.

Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of JET, charged that, “The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl across sections of the Caribbean highlights the need for urgent action in the midst of this climate emergency. Jamaica must demonstrate its leadership in the region by protecting our oceans, which are already under threat, not exploit them. We must not support a new, destructive, extractive industry that will likely worsen the climate crisis”.

Rodriguez-Moodie pointed out that the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining is gaining momentum globally, with environmental groups, scientists, and concerned citizens advocating for a halt to these activities until more is known about the deep sea.

“To date, 27 countries have announced their support for a moratorium, a precautionary pause, or a ban on deep sea mining, along with parliamentarians around the world, indigenous and civil society groups, major companies, financial institutions, and over 750 science and policy experts from more than 44 countries,” said Rodriguez-Moodie.

She argued that as a host country for the ISA, Jamaica has a unique position and responsibility to lead by example.

“By advocating for a moratorium, or a precautionary pause, Jamaica will align itself with efforts to safeguard the marine environment and address the climate crisis.

“If the dangerous gamble with deep sea mining goes wrong, it risks triggering a domino effect of unintended consequences that could destabilise the ocean, cause species extinction and habitat destruction, and impact global food security. In the wake of Hurricane Beryl and amidst the escalating climate crisis, a moratorium on deep sea mining is essential for the future well-being of our planet and our communities,” said Rodriguez-Moodie.

Supporters say deep sea mining will help boost supplies of raw materials like cobalt and nickel, which are needed for the global energy transition, but critics say it could destroy ecosystems and disrupt migratory routes.

After the council session, the ISA’s 168-member assembly will meet in Kingston on July 29 to elect a secretary general, with Brazil’s Leticia Carvalho standing against the incumbent, Michael Lodge.