UN agency that governs international waters mired in debate over deep sea mining

27/7/2024 7:07

        A U.N. body that regulates deep international waters is preparing to elect its next leader, a crucial position as it faces pressure to either ban, approve or place a moratorium on seabed mining.
        
        The upcoming election comes as the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority ended a two-week session</a> on Friday without reaching a consensus on a regulatory framework for deep-sea mining.
        
        The drawn-out debate raises concerns that the authority could receive an application later this year seeking the first deep sea mining exploitation license without having rules or regulations in place.
        
        The Metals Company, a Canadian-based mining company, is largely expected to be the first to apply for such a license.