Deep-sea mining is once again at the center of international dialogue. Following the recent United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, this meeting, co-organized by France and Costa Rica, once again highlighted the anxiety surrounding the possibility of opening a new extractive frontier on underexplored seabeds, amid growing demand for critical minerals for clean technologies and batteries.
As diplomatic debates progress, scientific and social concern grows. the risks of environmental devastation that these activities entail. The push to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and the demand for an international moratorium have become the common thread uniting governments, organizations, and citizens around the protection of marine ecosystems.
The threat of deep-sea mining
During the conference, Deep-sea mining has become the main source of tension between economic interests and marine conservation. Scientists warn of the potential irreversible damage associated with the extraction of polymetallic nodules, such as the alteration of ancient habitats and the release of carbon, which could profoundly affect ocean biodiversity and climate balance.
UN Secretary GeneralAntónio Guterres has urged the United Nations to prevent the seabed from becoming a "Wild West" of uncontrolled exploitation and called for political determination to curb dangerous practices. Figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron also defended the need for an international moratorium, reinforced by the support of more than 35 countries that joined this call in Nice.
However, political progress has not yet translated into binding commitments.Most governments continue to debate without reaching a definitive agreement that would halt the start of large-scale exploitation.
Meanwhile, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the UN body responsible for regulating mining activities outside national jurisdictions, is preparing for a key upcoming meeting where a real moratorium could be approved. Failure to do so would open the door to private projects. such as those promoted by The Metals Company, a company with political backing in the United States and focused on the extraction of critical metals for the technology industry.
Critical minerals, geopolitical rivalry and new strategies
The rise of deep-sea mining is largely due to the escalation of international competition for control of essential minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese and lithiumThese resources are essential for the manufacture of batteries and clean technologies. According to World Bank estimates, demand for these minerals could increase fivefold in the coming decades.
The United States and China are engaged in a strategic race to secure the supply of these resources. While China already controls a large part of the rare earth market and holds UN-authorized contracts to explore offshore areas, the US has signed executive orders to boost deepwater mining, even without adhering to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This context has led to improved prospects for companies like The Metals Company's financing and access to infrastructure, following the support of analysts and financial institutions.
The balance between security of supply and environmental sustainability remains unresolved.Despite technological advances and promises of innovation, the lack of clear protocols and uncertainty about the environmental effects keep these practices under scrutiny.
Moratorium, diplomatic leadership and marine protection
Spain and Costa Rica have taken a leading role in environmental protection during the Nice Conference. Spain announced the creation of new marine protected areas which will allow the protection of more than 25% of its marine surface by 2025. Of particular note is the declaration of a Marine Protected Area in the north of Menorca, key for endangered species such as the sperm whale.
For its part, Costa Rica raised its voice demanding a moratorium on any deepwater mining operation, adopting the precautionary principle in the face of unknown risks. This stance is supported by a consistent policy of sustainability and protection of 30% of its marine territory, serving as an example for other Latin American countries.
The diplomatic leadership shown by both governments reinforces international pressure to advance ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty, the only instrument capable of guaranteeing the creation of protected areas beyond national borders and curbing new dangerous extractive activities.
Pending challenges and future scenarios
The political declaration adopted in Nice and the Action Plan presented at the conference contain voluntary commitments, although they have no legal force. It is essential, strengthen legal mechanisms and political will to turn these initiatives into concrete actions for marine protection and conservation.
Furthermore, protecting biodiversity and the climate also means fighting for food sovereignty and social justice in communities dependent on the sea. Models like the one proposed by Greenpeace They promote sustainable artisanal fishing, limit industrial fishing, and promote effective management of protected areas, integrating ocean health with economic and social resilience.
The next ISA meeting and the possible entry into force of the Global Ocean Treaty will define the next steps. Successful ratification will allow for the creation of marine sanctuaries in international waters, covering areas that currently lack adequate regulation.