EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

Interest in deep-sea mining developed in the early 1970’s, with a focus on manganese nodules in international waters. Mining may actually occur first, however, on rich polymetallic sulfide deposits associated with hydrothermal vents within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Even though mining for polymetallic sulfides may not take place for several years, precautionary performance standards, environmental regulations, and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas may help guide the marine mining industry toward a goal of minimizing environmental impacts. Once substantial investments in prospecting and exploring a potential mining site are made, implementation of environmental regulations may prove to be much more difficult.

A brief history of deep-sea mining

Interest in deep-sea mining of manganese nodules and other metal deposits developed in the early 1970’s as a result of rising metal prices, and out of concern for securing supplies of strategic and critical minerals. Predicted metal shortages did not materialize, however, and metal prices have remained at relatively low levels. In addition, high projected costs associated with mining manganese nodules inhibited nodule mining efforts.

The regulatory environment for deep-sea mining may have also contributed to the failure of early attempts to exploit manganese nodules. Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLOS) established an international legal regime governing deep-sea mining. However, several industrialised countries, including the United States, did not endorse the original 1982 Convention because they considered it to be an obstacle to the practical development of ocean mineral resources. However, in 1996, the Convention, as modified by a 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI, entered into force.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under UNCLOS, is responsible for ensuring that the benefits of mining in international waters beyond the outer limit of the legal Continental Shelf are equitably shared, with an emphasis on ensuring a fair stream of benefits to developing countries and the protection of the environment from harmful effects arising from mining activities in international areas. However, one of the most important impacts of the Authority’s restrictions appears to be the redirection of prospecting and exploration away from international waters and into areas within the limits of national jurisdiction (Continental Shelf and EEZ) where regulations may be weaker or non-existent.

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(Source: http://www.mpi.org.au/)