Seabed mining: As Canadian company files application, new studies warn of grave threats to marine life – Down To Earth

Report on the Environmental Impacts of Proposed Deep-Sea Mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In June 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the environmental impact of proposed deep-sea mining activities in the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ). This follows an application by The Metals Company, a Canadian deep-sea minerals exploration firm, to the United States for permits to mine the seabed. Two new scientific studies highlight potential threats to marine biodiversity, particularly to cetacean species such as whales and dolphins, emphasizing the need to align mining activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Background and Context

• The CCZ covers approximately 6 million square kilometers of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and is rich in raw materials essential for the global green transition.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations body, currently oversees 17 exploration contracts for deep-sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• The United States, although not a signatory to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has accelerated its regulatory process for seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (1980).
• In April 2025, the US administration issued an executive order to expedite exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits, leading to The Metals Company’s application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• Internationally, 37 states have expressed opposition to deep-sea mining in international waters, reflecting concerns about ecological sustainability and the precautionary principle.

Key Findings from Recent Research

Study 1: Noise Sensitivity and Biodiversity Impact (Marine Pollution Bulletin)

1. The study reviewed the noise sensitivity of marine species in the CCZ, revealing that 65% of taxonomic classes remain unstudied regarding noise pollution impacts.
2. Deep-sea mining is expected to generate continuous noise pollution across multiple ocean depth zones, potentially disrupting marine biodiversity.
3. Soniferous fish and other sound-dependent species face risks including physiological damage, behavioral disruptions (e.g., foraging, settlement, communication), and mortality.
4. Many seabed species are long-lived and slow-growing, increasing their vulnerability to industrial disturbances.
5. The study calls for urgent assessment of ecological risks to support SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Study 2: Cetacean Presence and Acoustic Monitoring (Frontiers in Marine Science)

• A 13-day acoustic survey conducted in summer 2023 recorded 273 hours of underwater sound data in two CCZ blocks targeted for mining.
• The presence of vulnerable sperm whales and 70 dolphin groups was confirmed through acoustic and visual identification.
• Cetaceans are highly sensitive to anthropogenic noise, which can disrupt social and foraging behaviors, forcing displacement from critical habitats.
• The findings underscore the potential conflict between deep-sea mining and the conservation of marine life, directly impacting SDG 14’s targets on protecting marine ecosystems.

Policy and Governance Implications

• The ISA is currently developing a mining code to regulate exploitation activities, with ongoing intergovernmental negotiations emphasizing environmental safeguards.
• At the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the necessity of preventing the deep sea from becoming a “Wild West,” advocating for responsible governance aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• The US approach, bypassing UNCLOS, raises questions about international cooperation and adherence to global environmental standards.
• There is a growing call from environmental organizations and 37 states opposing deep-sea mining to prioritize precaution and sustainable ocean management.

Recommendations for Sustainable Development

1. Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments: Prioritize research to fill knowledge gaps on noise pollution and biodiversity impacts before permitting mining operations.
2. Strengthen International Collaboration: Encourage the US and other non-UNCLOS signatories to engage with ISA frameworks to ensure unified governance.
3. Adopt the Precautionary Principle: Delay commercial deep-sea mining until robust environmental safeguards are established, supporting SDG 14 and SDG 15.
4. Promote Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: Involve scientific communities, indigenous groups, and civil society in decision-making processes to uphold SDG 16.
5. Support Alternative Sustainable Technologies: Invest in recycling and alternative materials to reduce reliance on deep-sea mineral extraction, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Conclusion

The recent studies on the Clarion Clipperton Zone highlight significant environmental risks posed by proposed deep-sea mining activities, particularly to vulnerable marine species such as sperm whales and dolphins. These findings emphasize the urgent need to align seabed mining governance with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring the protection of marine biodiversity and the health of ocean ecosystems. Sustainable management of ocean resources requires precaution, international cooperation, and comprehensive scientific understanding to safeguard the planet’s future.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses on the impact of deep-sea mining on marine biodiversity, particularly whales, dolphins, and other ocean species in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ).
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The mining of raw materials for the green transition raises concerns about sustainable resource extraction and environmental impacts.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The green transition mentioned in the article is related to climate action, as raw materials mined are crucial for renewable energy technologies.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land (indirectly) – Though focused on marine life, the article’s emphasis on biodiversity conservation aligns with broader biodiversity goals.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The role of international governance bodies like the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and legal frameworks such as UNCLOS is highlighted.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification and other marine pollution, including noise pollution.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
2. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 14:
   • Proportion of marine areas protected (related to Target 14.5).
   • Number and extent of noise pollution events in marine environments (implied by studies on noise sensitivity and acoustic monitoring).
   • Population trends of vulnerable marine species such as sperm whales and dolphins (implied by acoustic and visual surveys).
2. Indicators related to SDG 12:
   • Amount of raw materials extracted through mining activities and their environmental impact assessments.
   • Number of permits granted under regulatory frameworks ensuring sustainable mining practices.
3. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • Number of countries participating in international agreements and governance bodies like ISA.
   • Existence and implementation status of mining codes and regulatory frameworks for seabed mining.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: downtoearth.org.in