Latest posts tagged with #ISA31 on Bluesky
DOSI was at the 31st session of the Council of ISA (Part I) #ISA31
As #DeepSeaMining regulations develop, we brought scientific input on biodiversity, ecosystem impacts & environmental protection.
Read our reflections: buff.ly/MWUjzO6
📸 Image credit: ENB-IISD - Anastasia Rodopoulou
With some ready to begin mining #criticalminerals on the ocean floor, the International Seabed Authority Council faces growing pressure to advance draft exploitation rules while ensuring environmental protection, fair benefit-sharing and legal certainty
#ISA31 Summary ➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
On the last day of #ISA31, Council discussed confidentiality of data and information regarding #deepseamining exploitation plans of work and contracts
Delegates broadly supporting making these publicly available, except where confidentiality is properly justified
➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
#ISA31 Council members turn their attention to the standards & guidelines that will accompany the #deepseamining regulations, discussing their scope and sequencing of adoption. #OceanGovernance
At #ISA31, Council members consider #deepseamining regulation relating to confidentiality of information; many call for strong safeguards without overly broad exemptions that could weaken enforcement. #oceangovernance
#ISA31 Council debates scope of #deepseamining regulations: should they apply to all mineral resources in the Area or only polymetallic nodules? Some favor the latter option while others support a general framework, with resource-specific details to follow in standards & guidelines. #oceangovernance
How are liabilities from #deepseamining addressed if contractors lack sufficient financial resources?
At #ISA31, Council discussed a proposed solution to ensure financially capable parent companies take responsibility for environmental harm and risks
➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
At #ISA31, Council members examine key definitions of “incident” and “notifiable events,” stressing their importance for reporting thresholds and response obligations in #deepseamining regulations. Members broadly agree that the two must remain clearly distinct. #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, some Council members stress that adopting regulations does not mean a green light for #deepseamining, calling for safeguards in the text; others argue such provisions are unnecessary, repetitive or belong outside the regulations. #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, Council members debate whether #deepseamining should only begin once strict conditions are met: adoption of full standards & guidelines, confirmation of scientific evidence that marine env't will be protected from harmful effects & respect for broader ocean commitments. #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, the Council considered the rights and interests of coastal states, including how to consult with them on #deepseamining activities
Members considered how to refer to such states, with emerging consensus on “potentially affected coastal states”
Read ➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
#ISA31 Council commences first reading of the annexes of the revised consolidated text of the #deepseamining exploitation regulations, starting with general comments and initial edits. #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, Council members support ensuring coordination & collaboration with #BBNJ bodies and processes, including on ABMTs and EIAs, and some propose a standing agenda item on this; many suggest postponing a Council decision until after BBNJ COP1. #oceangovernance #deepseamining
#ISA31 Council continues negotiating #deepseamining regulations, focusing on coastal states' rights; members consider who gets consulted on #mining activities, when & how. Emerging view: consultations to be led by the Secretariat with key details continuing to be discussed. #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, Council members celebrated the entry into force in January 2026 of #BBNJ Agreement
They underscored the need to strengthen cooperation and ensure coherence between the Agreement and the International Seabed Authority
Read ➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
#deepseamining
At #ISA31, Council members highlight Economic Planning Commission is key to assessing impacts of #deepseamining on land-based mining countries, call for equitable geographic rep'n in the Commission & urge full operationalization before approval of first exploitation plan of work. #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, Council members review the Legal & Technical Commission's report on contractors at risk of non-compliance with their contractual obligations, following the Council's request for additional information from those contractors. #deepseamining #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, Council members stress exploration contracts should only be extended where contractors demonstrate good-faith implementation of their work plans, including environmental, technical & financial commitments. #deepseamining #oceangovernance
As week 2 of #ISA31 Council commences, ISA Secretary-General Leticia Reis de Carvalho, reports on the status of exploration contracts & related matters, including info on the periodic review of implementation of approved exploration plans of work. #deepseamining #oceangovernance
At #ISA31, Council members debated whether unannounced inspections of #deepseamining operations should be allowed.
Many supported retaining this possibility to monitor compliance with the regulations, while others cautioned they could be difficult to implement
➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
At #ISA31, delegates debate inspection powers for #deepseamining activities, including whether inspectors should be able to conduct unannounced inspections. Some stress unannounced inspections are essential for effective oversight; others raise concerns about implementation. #oceangovernance #mining
At #ISA31, Council members discuss the mandate of a proposed compliance committee, with several stressing it should not be limited to exploitation activities and should be clearly defined to avoid overlap with the Legal and Technical Commission. #deepseamining #oceangovernance
As week one of #ISA31 Council draws to a close, members consider the regulatory elements of the draft exploitation regulations, focusing specifically on the rules for inspection of #deepseamining operations and compliance with the rules, regulations & procedures. #OceanGovernance #mining
At #ISA31, Council members agreed safeguards should be part of #deepseamining exploitation rules to prevent monopolization of deep seabed resources by contractors or affiliated companies, stressing the need for clear criteria and objective thresholds
➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
At #ISA31, Council members discuss the need to prevent monopolization in #deepseamining with broad support for including safeguards in the exploitation regulations. Members call for clear definitions & objective criteria, including re “significant control” & "market dominance." #oceangovernance
What should contractors pay for mining the #seabed? At #ISA31, Council members discuss the payment system for #deepseamining contractors, including royalties, profit sharing arrangements & other financial contributions to the #ISA, as well as review of the system. #oceangovernance
Day 4 of #ISA31 opens with Council President Mayank Joshi welcoming members as they turn to consideration of financial, regulatory and governance elements of the #deepseamining regulations. #oceangovernance #mining
#ISA31 discussed benefit-sharing Wednesday
They also considered the financial system for exploitation activity, touching payments made by contractors, environmental externalities in royalty system design, and profit sharing on transfers of mining rights
Read ➡️ enb.iisd.org/internationa...
At #ISA31, Council members consider including a profit share on transfers of rights under #deepseamining contracts. Many support the idea, noting significant capital gains may arise from such transfers & the #ISA should share in benefits from the #seabed which is the common heritage of humankind.
#ISA31 Council members discuss the regulation on an "equalization measure," which aims to ensure #deepseamining contractors pay a similar effective tax rate to land-based mining regardless of tax exemptions provided by sponsoring states. #oceangovernance #mining
