![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/crunch-talks-due-on-deep-sea-mining-controversy/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/129865027_noduleandseastar.jpg&description=Image source, Natural History Museum London Image caption, From anemones to worms: A number of weird creatures have been retrieved from the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. Controversial proposals to allow deep-sea mining will be centre-stage at global talks in Jamaica from Monday. It comes after a two-year ban on the practice expired when countries failed to reach agreement on new rules. Scientists fear a possible "goldrush" for precious metals beneath the oceans could have devastating consequences for marine life. But supporters argue that these minerals are needed if the world is to meet the demand for green technologies. The controversy was triggered in 2021 when the tiny Pacific Island of Nauru made a formal request to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) - the UN body that oversees mining in international waters - for a commercial licence to begin deep sea mining. This triggered a clause that put the ISA on a two-year countdown to consider the application, despite there being minimal regulations in place. Countries have been meeting regularly since to try and finalise the rules on environmental monitoring and sharing of royalties, but without success. They have now gathered in Kingston, Jamaica for three-weeks of negotiations. It comes as opposition to commercial deep-sea mining to harvest rocks containing valuable metals has been growing. Nearly 200 countries including Switzerland, Spain and Germany are calling for a pause or moratorium on the practice over environmental concerns. It is now expected that countries could be given the chance to vote on a new ban over the next month. Despite the UK not calling for a new ban, a government spokesperson told the BBC: "The UK will maintain its precautionary position of not supporting the issuing of any exploitation licences unless and until there is sufficient scientific evidence about the potential impact on deep sea ecosystems." Marine scientists have raised concerns that limited research has been){kind=link}
Controversial proposals to allow deep-sea mining will be centre-stage at global talks in Jamaica from Monday.
It comes after a two-year ban on the practice expired when countries failed to reach agreement on new rules.
Scientists fear a possible “goldrush” for precious metals beneath the oceans could have devastating consequences for marine life.
But supporters argue that these minerals are needed if the world is to meet the demand for green technologies.
The controversy was triggered in 2021 when the tiny Pacific Island of Nauru made a formal request to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) – the UN body that oversees mining in international waters – for a commercial licence to begin deep sea mining.