And Now For the Seabed!

The tiny Oceanic nation of Nauru, initially became rich, by exploiting its phosphate reserves. These phosphates, essential for agriculture, came from guano, produced by the hoards of nesting seabirds on the island. The phosphate reserves are now almost gone, along with the health of the islanders (many have diabetes, triggered by dietary change). What did Nauru do next? Guy Standing details their role (along with a Canadian mining company), in 'kick-starting' applications to mine our seabed 'commons' (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/07/gold-rush-deep-sea-devastation-seabed-oceans). The United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), set up Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). These were for exploitation by their coastal communities. The deep sea areas, outside the EEZs, were designated 'the common heritage of mankind'. Deep sea mining was banned from these latter locations, until a mining code could be agreed. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) was given the task of developing this code. The code which had to be unanimously agreed. had to use the precautionary principle of avoiding ecological damage. It also had to produce a formula for the equitable distribution of any benefits. ISA then appeared to 'go to sleep' for 28 years. Although there are huge environmental risks, mining companies are keen to get their hands on deep sea nodules. The nodules consist of nickel, chromium, manganese and other minerals essential for 'green' technology. Nauru and its partner, activated an obscure UNCLOS clause. This gave the ISA precisely 2 years, after a mining application, to produce its agreed code and sharing mechanism. That time runs out on the 9th July 2023. After that date, deep sea mining applications will go ahead. This mining is likely to be carried out by robotic devices, destroying the sea bed and generating large plumes of sediment. These processes carry enormous environmental risks. The silence from governments has, however, been deafening. The only people likely to benefit from nodule extraction are the mining companies. Another environmental own goal?