ISA advocates precautionary regulations for deep-sea mining

The head of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) emphasized a "precautionary approach" for new deep-sea mining regulations to protect the environment. This comes as the ISA aims to finalize a mining code this year after over a decade of discussions. Since July 2023, countries can apply for mining contracts due to a legal clause invoked by Nauru. Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. plans to start mining in 2026, increasing the urgency for a regulatory framework amid concerns about environmental impacts. ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho highlighted the need for science-based decision-making and equitable profit sharing. The ISA Council remains divided on mining, with some members pushing for immediate action and others advocating for a moratorium or ban.