Deep-sea mining has once again become a central topic of international dialogue following the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. This meeting, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, underscored the growing concern surrounding the potential opening of a new extractive frontier in largely unexplored seabeds, amidst increasing demand for minerals critical to clean technologies and batteries.
As diplomatic debates progress, scientific and social concern intensifies regarding the risks of environmental devastation posed by these activities. Pressure 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 emerged as a major point of contention between economic interests and marine conservation. Scientists warned of the potential irreversible damage associated with the extraction of polymetallic nodules, such as the disruption of ancient habitats and the release of carbon, which could profoundly affect ocean biodiversity and the climate balance.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged action to prevent the seabed from becoming a "Wild West" of uncontrolled exploitation and has called for political will to curb dangerous practices. Figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron also advocated for an international moratorium, a call reinforced by the support of more than 35 countries that joined in Nice.
However, political progress has not yet translated into binding commitments . Most governments continue to debate without reaching a definitive agreement to halt the start of large-scale mining operations.
Meanwhile, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the UN body responsible for regulating mining activities outside national jurisdictions, is preparing for a crucial upcoming meeting where a genuine moratorium could be approved. If this fails, the door would be open to private projects, such as those promoted by The Metals Company , a politically backed firm in the United States focused on extracting metals critical to the technology industry.
Critical minerals, geopolitical rivalry and new strategies
The rise of deep-sea mining is largely driven by escalating international competition for control of essential minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium . These resources are crucial for manufacturing 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 promote deep-sea mining, even without adhering to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This context has led to improved prospects for financing and access to infrastructure for companies like The Metals Company, following support from 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 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 that will allow it to achieve protection for more than 25% of its marine territory by 2025. Of particular note is the declaration of a Marine Protected Area in northern Menorca, a key area for endangered species such as the sperm whale.
For its part, Costa Rica raised its voice demanding a moratorium on all deep-water mining, adopting the precautionary principle in the face of unknown risks. This stance is supported by a coherent 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 during the conference include voluntary commitments, although they lack legal force. It is essential to strengthen legal mechanisms and political will to transform 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 encourage 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.