UTS researchers gain access to crucial deliberations on deep-sea mining

As competition between the United States and China intensifies over critical minerals, pressure is mounting to begin exploitation of deep-sea minerals before a code to regulate mining of the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction is agreed to.

The final form of regulation being developed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), particularly as it would apply to mineral-rich areas in the eastern and central Pacific, is of concern both to the Australian government and the Australian research community.

Now Australian researchers have been given access to the process via a successful application by the University of Technology Sydney for accredited observer status with the ISA.

The ISA comprises 172 sovereign states, including the European Union, and is responsible for regulating deep-sea mining in the areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Initiated and led by UTS International Relations scholar and Senior Lecturer in Social and Political Sciences, Dr Lai-Ha Chan, the status enables UTS academics to formally attend ISA Council and Assembly meetings, providing a platform for research, collaboration, and policy engagement in the governance of the deep ocean.

An engaged participant in global ocean governance

“UTS the first – and currently the only – Australian university to hold observer status at the ISA,” Dr Chan said. “Since accredited observer status is required for participation in ISA meetings, this recognition establishes UTS as an engaged participant in global ocean governance.

“My research focuses on global governance of deep-sea mining, with specific attention to the relationship and competition between international and national regulatory frameworks and the geopolitical dynamics shaping the mining of critical seabed minerals.  

“Attendance as an observer will allow me to understand the council’s deliberations closely and contribute to scholarly and public understanding of emerging governance challenges. 

“UTS’s research more widely, and my own expertise, intersect directly with the ISA’s mandate concerning environmental protection, the development of the mining code and governance of seabed resources.  

“Our scholarship contributes to a more informed global dialogue on deep-sea mining regulation and policymaking.” 

The future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain

Last month Dr Chan and co-author Pak K. Lee from the University of Kent published Who Governs Deep-Sea Mining? A Battle Between Global Governance and National Governance (Cambridge University Press).  

“It unpacks the international deep-sea mining regime established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which posits that the deep seabed is the 'common heritage of humankind', and contrasts it with the USA's preference for 'freedom of the high seas',” Dr Chan said. 

“Although Washington's unilateral action to pursue deep-sea mining may speed up the finalisation of the ISA mining code, the future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain due to mounting concerns about its commercial viability, equity and environmental impact.  

“A moratorium is emerging as the mainstream direction, supported by 46 countries, although there is division among Pacific nations, with Narau and Tonga among those keen for mining to go ahead. 

“It is valuable now to be on the inside with the ISA to see how the crucial concerns of environmental protection and fairness are resolved in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”