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Malta Calls for Deep-Sea Mining Pause to Protect the Environment
Last changed: August 06 2024 14:08 by PCLMedia
Malta has joined 31 other countries in advocating for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. This call was made during the 29th assembly of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica.
In a joint statement, the countries emphasized, "No deep-sea mining should take place until a robust regulatory framework is in place to protect the marine environment and the scientific knowledge base is sufficient to allow for informed decision-making."
Foreign Minister Ian Borg highlighted that the deep sea, Earth's largest habitat, is home to one million species. He warned that expanding mining activities into these fragile and biodiverse areas poses a growing risk of potentially irreversible harm.
"This is why we are joining a growing coalition of countries, scientists, civil society organizations, and private companies calling for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining," Borg stated. "The international community has a responsibility to protect the marine environment as the common heritage of mankind. There are still major scientific knowledge gaps on deep-sea ecosystems and the potential impacts of deep-sea mining. The precautionary principle and the best available science must be at the heart of the governance of the international seabed."
The 29th International Seabed Authority Assembly took place from Monday, July 29th to Friday, August 2nd. Malta’s delegation was led by the Permanent Representative of Malta to the International Seabed Authority, Vanessa Frazier.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) was established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to regulate the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources on the international seabed. To date, the ISA has only authorized exploration activities, but recent efforts by some states and mining companies aim to accelerate the move towards an exploitation phase.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Deep-sea mining involves extracting mineral resources from the ocean floor, including metals like nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential for various high-tech industries and green technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. However, the process poses significant environmental risks.
Environmentalists argue that deep-sea mining could lead to the destruction of unique marine habitats and the extinction of undiscovered species. The deep sea is a poorly understood environment, and mining activities could disrupt the ecological balance, affecting species that play critical roles in the oceanic ecosystem. Sediment plumes generated by mining operations could spread over vast areas, smothering marine life and altering habitat structures.
Economically, while the potential profits from deep-sea mining are considerable, they come with high financial and ethical costs. The technology required for deep-sea mining is complex and expensive, and the long-term environmental damage could outweigh the immediate economic benefits. Countries like Malta are advocating for investment in sustainable alternatives and increased research to better understand the deep-sea environment before proceeding with any large-scale exploitation.
Moreover, there are concerns about governance and equitable resource distribution. The deep sea is considered the "common heritage of mankind," and its resources should benefit all of humanity. Developing countries fear that without strict regulations, deep-sea mining will primarily benefit wealthy nations and multinational corporations, exacerbating global inequalities.
The call for a precautionary pause reflects a growing consensus that more scientific research and stronger international regulations are necessary to ensure that any future deep-sea mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably. Malta and its allies are urging the international community to prioritize the health of our planet’s oceans and the well-being of future generations over short-term economic gains.
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