In 2018, I visited the Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU), for a conference on Deep-Sea Mining. During the Q&A, I remember a minister standing to ask “how long until we can get these nodules?” to support the Norwegian Governments’ drive towards wind power.
In the last few days, Norway has approved exploration for polymetallic nodules within their exclusive economic zone – they have every right to.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea defines an Exclusive Economic Zone as the maritime area in which the coastal nation has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters super jacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil.
I would argue it should be a responsibility for the sovereign nation to explore, to conserve and to manage their maritime area.
There is a limited understanding of deep ocean environments, and this is reflected by the opposition to deep-sea mining.
At present, nine countries call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, namely: Fiji, Palau, Samoa, The Federated Sates of Micronesia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Mexico and the United Kingdom
Fourteen call for a precautionary pause: Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Panama, Vanuatu, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Ireland, Brazil, Finland, Portugal, and Monaco.
France calls for a ban on Deep-Sea Mining.
It is a concern, which I have noted from speaking with the the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, that exploration is precursor to exploitation. I suggest we break this association.
As the founder of M-Cubed Research Consulting, I want to set the example as an exploration company that does not engage with exploitation. An exploration company, that identifies exceptional resources – and provides that information to the sovereign nation. I want to promote selectiveness, to ensure that Deep-Sea Mining is the Exception, Never the Rule.
It is unlikely that Norway would consider approving exploitation before 2030, so we have time to break the assumption that exploration is a means to an end.
We have time, to be Developing Knowledge; Developing, Together.
M-Cubed Research Consulting 