Kinematix/Greenpeace

Governments concluded two weeks of negotiations today at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council with the case for a moratorium on deep-sea mining even stronger than when they arrived. Over the course of the meeting, governments heard the ISA’s own experts highlight immense scientific uncertainty, confirmed that the contractor non-compliance inquiry will continue, and continued negotiating a Mining Code and wider governance framework that remains far from complete and remains inadequate to protect the marine environment and uphold equity.  

Photo by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera

Governments arrive in Kingston, Jamaica this week for the International Seabed Authority’s (ISA) Council and Assembly as international law and the future of the deep sea come under increasing pressure. The Metals Company (TMC) is attempting to unilaterally mine the international seabed through US domestic law, a move widely considered illegal under international law, even as 43 countries, including for the first time three African nations, have lined up behind a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. 

In 2026, the DSCC will host a media and policy webinar series designed to equip journalists, governments, civil society and decision-makers with the facts, evidence, and context needed to navigate the deep-sea mining debate, and to cut through industry hype and misinformation.

Kenya and Madagascar have joined a rapidly-growing number of governments calling for a precautionary pause or moratorium on deep-sea mining, marking a significant expansion of African leadership to protect the deep ocean from a high-risk industry.

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Greenpeace International plus other organisations and allies join a ‘paddle out’ at Jamnesia Surf School near Kingston, Jamaica. To call for the protection of the deep sea and to stop deep sea mining before it starts.  The participants form the words “NO DSM” with the surf boards on the beach. Still taken from drone footage.

On July 19th people around the world will rise and gather in defense of one of Earth's last untouched frontiers: the deep sea. As governments convene for the crucial International Seabed Authority (ISA) meeting in Kingston, Jamaica (July 13 - 31), to decide if deep-sea mining will be permitted in international waters, a powerful global wave of ocean lovers will take to the water in a united call: Stop deep-sea mining before it starts.

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) welcomes the announcement that Malawi has become the first African country to support a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, marking a significant milestone for the ocean and growing momentum against the speculative and destructive deep-sea mining industry. 

2J34PD0 Drilling vessel Hidden Gem of The Metals Company, is being converted in the seaport of Rotterdam, Maasvlakte, it will be the first vessel to be equipp

Two weeks of International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council negotiations have concluded with no mining approved and no Mining Code adopted. Unresolved issues ranged from environmental safeguards and liability to inspection, compliance, and benefit-sharing. Governments, including France, Costa Rica, South Africa on behalf of the Africa Group, Mexico, Germany, Palau, and Brazil, among others, raised major scientific, environmental, and governance gaps. Several States stressed that these issues must be fully resolved before any mining is considered.

2J34PD0 Drilling vessel Hidden Gem of The Metals Company, is being converted in the seaport of Rotterdam, Maasvlakte, it will be the first vessel to be equipp

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) strongly condemns The Metals Company’s (TMC) attempt to fast-track deep-sea mining through a unilateral U.S. permitting process in international waters, attempting to undermine the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and bypass ongoing multilateral negotiations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA). 

Gulf of Alaska Seamount Expedition. Large paragorgia coral with galatheid crabs on Pratt Seamount at 800 meters depth. Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska. 2004. Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration.

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) welcomes the decision by the Norwegian Parliament to stop all plans for deep-sea mining in Arctic waters until the current parliamentary period ends in fall 2029.

Weeks after governments promised bold action to protect the ocean at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice (June 2025), the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council and Assembly meetings have concluded with no moratorium on deep-sea mining and a widening gap between promises and performance. Despite vocal leadership from some States, which stood against efforts to rush the exploitation of the deep sea in the negotiations, many governments failed to meet the moment in Kingston, squandering a critical opportunity for ocean protection at a time of mounting ecological crisis. The DSCC is urging all governments to reflect on the political and moral costs of inaction and stand firm for a moratorium.