International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• The 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) began on March 17, 2025, in Jamaica, with nearly 170 member states and the European Union discussing deep-sea mining regulations.

About International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• Established: 1994, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982).
• Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica.
• Mandate:
  • Regulates mining activities on the international seabed beyond national jurisdiction.
  • Develops a mining code to ensure responsible seabed resource extraction.
  • Protects marine ecosystems from potential mining-related damage.
• Key Issues Discussed
• The Two-Year Rule
• Triggered in 2021 by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc., requiring the ISA to finalize mining regulations within two years.
• Raised concerns over the rushed approval of seabed mining and its environmental impact.
• Legal Challenges
  • Debate over potential lawsuits against ISA if mining applications are denied.
  • Mining companies argue for legitimate expectations under investment law, but experts suggest this does not apply to international bodies.
• Global Participation in Seabed Mining
  • Since 2001, ISA has granted 30 exploration contracts.
  • India holds two contracts in the Indian Ocean and has applied for more.
  • Norway, European nations, and other stakeholders are sponsoring mining projects.