Taking Precautionary Approaches to the Governance of Commercial Deep Seabed Mining: Law-Making of International Seabed Authority and Multi-Subject Participation

Jinpeng Wang (), Wenqi Jiang, Chuanjuan Wang and Dahai Liu ()
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Jinpeng Wang: School of Law, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Wenqi Jiang: School of Law, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Chuanjuan Wang: Key Laboratory of Coastal Science and Integrated Management, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Qingdao 266061, China
Dahai Liu: Key Laboratory of Coastal Science and Integrated Management, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Qingdao 266061, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: Although commercial deep seabed mining could provide the international community with new sources of metals and minerals, it can potentially cause adverse effects on the marine environment and biodiversity of the Area. To date, insufficient scientific knowledge has been obtained about the complex deep seabed ecosystems and the detailed impacts of deep seabed mining. The International Seabed Authority has begun to make provisions for exploiting mineral resources and related environmental protection requirements. The draft exploitation regulations take precautionary approaches such as stipulating rules, including environmental standards and guidelines, environment impact assessment, environmental management and monitoring plan, and regional environmental management plan. However, there are still apparent differences and controversies about these rules between States. This article elaborates on the evolution and content of drafted rules and explores the manifested specific divergences and interest conflicts in formulating these rules. Implementing precautionary approaches requires balancing potential serious environmental risks, available scientific evidence, and cost-effectiveness. This article also explores the essential requirements of taking precautionary approaches for governing commercial deep seabed mining. The ISA, sponsoring States, Contractors, scientists, experts, and public all play roles in the governance of imminent commercial deep seabed mining. Strengthening multi-subject participation in the ISA’s law-making process for deep seabed environmental protection can be conducive to promoting consensus on taking precautionary approaches to govern commercial deep seabed mining.

Keywords: precautionary approaches; International Seabed Authority; deep seabed mining; exploitation regulations; multi-subject participation; environmental impact assessment; environmental management and monitoring plans; regional environmental management plan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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