This briefing explains the legal basis, scope, and significance of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Secretary-General’s inquiry into contractors, initiated following a Council decision in July 2025. It responds to actions by The Metals Company and its subsidiaries to pursue commercial deep-sea mining permits under U.S. law, moves widely condemned as potentially violating customary international law and undermining multilateral governance. The brief outlines how the ISA’s inquiry powers are grounded in UNCLOS, the Mining Code, and principles of global administrative law, including transparency, accountability, and environmental protection. It underscores that the ISA has both the authority and responsibility to investigate in the public interest and on behalf of humankind.
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