Deep sea mining applications approved

Enviromine

Publishing Date: 22 Jul 2011 2:14pm GMT
Author: Mining, People and the Environment

Legal and Legislation Ecology & Biodiversity

The International Seabed Authority has approved four new applications to explore for polymetallic nodules ion the international deep-sea bed.

The applications had been made by China, Russia, Nauru and Tonga, and relate to the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in the northeaster tropical Pacific Ocean.

The applications from Nauru and Tonga were challenged by members of the council however, who remarked that these nations do not currently have sufficent legislation to regulate exploration and mining activities.

As a result the approval was amended to ensure that a legal framework is in place before work on the licences can commence.

The applications from China and Russia were approved without debate.

Eight other groups have already laid claims to areas of international waters in both the Pacific and Indian oceans covering deposits of nickel-bearing nodules.