A tense global debate is ongoing on how and whether to allow deep-sea mining, while one major company has already threatened to apply for such a permit before the United Nations (UN) agrees on rules on it and before as soon as the regulations are in force.
More than two dozen countries have called for a ban, pause or moratorium on deep-sea mining, including Peru and Greece, as the UN's International Seabed Authority continues negotiations on a proposed code for such mining.
"We have two very busy weeks ahead of us," said Olav Miklebust, president of the Council and the UN International Seabed Authority, while some countries warned that the proposed regulatory framework has significant gaps and does not include some of their proposals.
The Jamaica-based authority is the global custodian of deep waters that do not fall under the independent jurisdiction of the world's nations, and has approved 31 contracts to explore mining opportunities, although it has not approved any exploitation while the debate continues.
Much of the ongoing exploration is centered in the 4,5 million square kilometer Clarion-Clipperton zone between Hawaii and Mexico, at a depth of 4.000 to 6.000 meters below the sea surface.
Scientists said that the minerals at those depths were formed over millions of years and that their mining could cause a series of problems under the sea, and suffocating dust storms on the coasts.
"The deep ocean sustains key processes that make the entire planet habitable - from driving ocean currents that regulate the weather, to storing carbon and protecting the planet from the effects of climate change," said Sofia Cenikli with the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.
Those who support deep sea mining argue that it is cheaper and has less impact on the environment than onshore mining. Among those in favor of exploitation is "The Metals Company", a Canadian company that is widely expected to first seek permission to begin undersea mining.
The deep-sea mining debate comes amid growing demand for precious metals, including cobalt, nickel and copper whose crystals form in the oceans and are used in electric car batteries and other "green" technologies.
"There is still a lot of work to be done," France's Olivier Guyonvarche said of the proposed mining code.
Elza Moreira Marselino de Castro, Brazil's representative, said more clarity was needed on liability issues and other details on the proposed environmental compensation fund.
The council is supposed to discuss the issue for the next two weeks, and then hold an assembly to elect a general secretary.
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