The Metals Company (TMC), a startup dedicated to deep-sea mining, intends to apply for an exploitation contract next year to start harvesting polymetallic nodules in the Pacific Ocean. As stated in its announcement, the company assumes that a one-year review process by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will result in the contract's approval, allowing TMC to begin mining operations as soon as 2025.
TMC will apply for the contracts despite the absence of any mining regulations agreed upon during the July 2023 ISA meetings.
TMC's plan to start operations without regulations in place is presumptuous, completely disregarding the growing opposition of countries and scientists calling to halt deep-sea mining and protect the marine environment from irreversible, far-reaching damage.
It is in the hands of the ISA to approve or reject TMC’s application. People from around the world need to pressure their leaders to join the opposition and ensure that the ISA not only rejects all deep-sea mining applications but also implements a moratorium on the harmful practice. If you haven’t already, please sign the petition and help us #Defendthedeep.
