The International Seabed Authority (ISA) could today expel Greenpeace from the UN deep sea mining body’s meeting, a move that would fundamentally undermine the right to peaceful protest.

The ISA will be discussing Greenpeace’s 200-hour peaceful protest against NORI/The Metals Company, which saw activists kayak around industry vessel MV COCO over 14 days in November and December. In response, the ISA Secretary-General, Michael Lodge, argued that Greenpeace’s kayakers posed “a threat of serious harm to the marine environment”, while the vessel collected samples and data for mining permits.

The action and the ISA response has been included in the Provisional Agenda, scheduled to be discussed on Friday 22 March local time. 

Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter said any move to strip Greenpeace of its observer status as a result of the action would be “an attempt to stifle the right to peaceful protest.”

“The deep sea mining industry, which wants to plunder delicate and precious seafloors for profit, is now calling to question the fundamental human right of peaceful protest. Peaceful protest is essential for ordinary people and civil society to voice their concerns,” Ritter said.

“That the International Seabed Authority would go out of its way to add Greenpeace’s action to its agenda, to spend time debating ways to undermine the right to peaceful protest, while the industry pushes ahead to destroy and decimate our seafloor, shows where the priorities of the industry lies: in protecting its own greedy interests and profits.

“People will be watching the outcome closely, as our right to protect and defend our oceans and the livelihoods it sustains hangs in the balance.” 

The 29th session of the ISA started this week in Kingston, Jamaica, with representatives from 167 nations, including Australia and some Pacific Island nations. The meeting is a critical moment for the future of the oceans as deep sea mining companies press governments to agree on a mining code that would legitimise this destructive practice. The meeting will enter its second week on Monday.

—ENDS—

Notes to editor: 

The Metals Company CEO is Australian Gerard Barron.

Two Greenpeace Australia Pacific staff took part in the action, a kayaker and a digital campaigner.

Images for media use can be found here.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or kbernard@greenpeace.org

Conjure an image of the deep sea, and you may as well imagine the moon. Few images exist, and scientific exploration of the deep sea is only in its infancy. We may not yet fully understand the environmental workings of either place, but we know that they are part of a delicate balance of biological systems that support our planet. The deep sea holds mysteries for science and connects populations around the world in common heritage.

Discover the Treasures of Biodiversity

At 4,000 meters under the sea, life gets wonderfully weird. The majority of species are undocumented, and the seascapes unmapped. What we do know is that the ecosystems found at the bottom of the sea are delicate and unique. From distinct microbial communities to sea cucumbers, urchins, and starfish, an astounding array of biological diversity lives directly on the sediment of the deep seabed. 

Far from the barren desert-like landscape it was once thought, the deep seafloor teems with life—albeit much different from what we know on land. It’s estimated that 2 million marine species are still unidentified, and many of these are thought to inhabit the deep sea. The adaptations animals have undergone to survive at these depths mean they are unlikely to be resilient to disturbances.

The Threat of Deep Sea Mining

Where mining goes, death follows. From sediment plumes to ecosystem disturbance, deep sea mining is a disaster waiting to happen. Deep sea mining would risk marine life, ecosystem balance, and human lives and livelihoods for an unnecessary endeavor.

A Closer Look at Deep Sea Mining Operations

Impact on Pacific Island Communities

On land, Pacific Island communities’ livelihoods and food security are at risk due to disturbances of mining operations taking place in the Pacific ocean.

Operations at the Surface

The surface transport ships and mining ships would hover at the surface ready to unload and process vast quantities of sediment, retaining polymetallic nodules and pumping the waste back into the ocean.

200m Deep: The Deep Sea Zone

The ocean is classified as “deep sea” at 200 meters, where light from the surface is mostly obscured.

1,000m Deep: Risks to Marine Life

Animals including turtles and whales are known to make extended deep dives to 1,000 meters below the surface and deeper. Such species could be exposed to discharged mining waste as well as vibrations and noises that will interfere with sonar communication and could split whales from their calves or even fracture entire pods.

1,000-3,000m Deep: Environmental Uncertainties

Sediment piped from the surface would be discharged in the deep sea zone. Data from mining companies is vague because even they don’t know how far they will need to pipe the sediment or how far it may travel once returned to the ocean.

4,000m Deep: Deep Sea Mining Machinery

At the seafloor, machinery similar to giant vacuums will scrape and pump up the sea bed, searching for polymetallic nodules. Impacts to species like ghost octopus and deep sea anglerfish that live on the seafloor are impossible to know, as these nodules have taken millions of years to form and have become highly specialized habitats.

The seafloor is the world’s largest sediment carbon sink. Disturbing the deep sea bed has the potential for significant, long-term impacts on carbon cycling and storage.

Deep Sea Mining threatens our most unique ecosystems. You can help stop it before it starts. Tell the Australian government to take a strong stand against deep sea mining now.

Imagine the impact of being able to go back in time to stop offshore drilling at the dawn of the oil age. Today’s climate catastrophes wouldn’t exist! Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time to fix our mistakes, but we can certainly learn from them as we go forward. And the next opportunity for our redemption is to stop deep sea mining.

On the 3rd June this year, Greenpeace volunteers from around the world took part in a Global Day of Action for World Oceans Day, calling on governments to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the International Seabed Authority’s July 2023 meeting in Kingston, Jamaica. Eye-catching neon lights, inflatable sea creatures, and human banners were just some of the creative tactics used to draw attention to this issue.

“If deep sea mining begins in the Pacific Ocean, it could have devastating impacts on millions of people living in the Pacific region. It poses serious threats to their livelihoods and spiritual connection to the ocean by impacting fish populations and sacred ecosystems.” said Rima Sonigara, one of our digital campaigners.

We need the Australian government to show leadership and set an example for other governments on this issue, by calling for a global ban on deep sea mining. We cannot let governments give the green light to greedy, immoral mining companies to destroy the ocean floor for profit. There is far too much at stake for our planet and communities. You can help by signing this petition to get the government to take a strong stand against deep sea mining now.

With many of the ocean’s deepest canyons still remaining a mystery to humankind, we don’t even know the full breadth of the lifeforms that could be destroyed if deep sea mining is given the go ahead, but together, we can stop it from ever happening.

In March 2023, history was made when the UN finally agreed on a new Global Ocean Treaty. This Treaty is a powerful tool that can help protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. Time is running out, and reaching this target will require a strong and urgent political response. This report offers clear routes to action to get across the finishing line and help the oceans thrive again.

The High Seas cover 61% of the world’s oceans and occupy 70% of the living space on our planet, including land and sea. These international waters are home to a stunning wealth of marine life and ecosystems. They are crucial to many of the key processes that sustain life on our blue planet, including mitigating climate change.

But in recent decades life in the High Seas has dwindled under the rising impact of multiple human stresses, prompting the United Nations to begin a process to reform management in international waters.

During the climate and environment session, Labor passed the policy unamended, committing to “ensure the Australian Government leads ambitious international efforts for global agreements on […] a moratorium on deep-sea mining in international waters.”

This is a positive step forward for Labor, which has been under scrutiny by climate advocates at this week’s conference for its recent approvals of coal and gas projects, according to Steph Hodgins-May, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. 

“Deep-sea mining is the most ludicrous concept, particularly when it comes to the shocking environmental track records of the oil and gas industry in offshore mining,” she said.

“A ban on mining the deepest parts of the seafloor is something our Pacific neighbours and allies all around the world have been calling for for years now, just like they’re calling for no new coal, oil and gas projects.

“Greenpeace hopes this is a sign that Labor is willing to really walk the talk when it comes to listening to Pacific Island nations on climate and ocean protection, particularly in the lead-up to a bid to co-host COP31.

“We urge Labor to push more governments around the world to come out against deep sea mining and hold world leaders accountable to ocean protection.”

—ENDS—

Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of critical minerals including lithium, cobalt and manganese, with a significant role to play in the transition to a fossil-fuel-free and renewable-powered future. 

With this prominence comes important questions about the role critical minerals have in shaping the country’s sustainable path. As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, it’s important that we approach mineral extraction, processing, use, reuse and recycling and disposal with care and responsibility.

The following blog explores the role of critical minerals mining in Australia’s clean energy transition and highlights some key principles to guide us to minimise potential social and environmental impacts.

Why are critical minerals important?

Critical minerals are essential for manufacturing various technologies that are integral to our modern world, including mobile phones, computers, banknotes, fibre-optic cables and medical equipment. These minerals are also instrumental in Australia’s transition towards clean energy, powering rechargeable batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels.

As nations unite under the landmark Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, the commitment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is paramount for protecting our climate, nature and humanity. By harnessing critical minerals, Australia can play its part in helping our country and the world break free from reliance on climate-destroying fossil fuels.

What role does Australia play?

Australia plays a pivotal role in the global landscape of critical minerals, as the world’s largest exporter of lithium and the third-largest producer of cobalt. Additionally, the country 

produces other vital rare earth elements such as manganese, nickel and copper, as highlighted in S&P Global’s 2021 Mining By The Numbers report.

This means Australia has the potential to contribute to the climate change fight by becoming a leading exporter of materials, cutting-edge technology and valuable expertise. By harnessing these resources, the country can create a thriving clean energy industry and generate new trade and job opportunities. However, this means Australia also has a critical responsibility to ensure that the mining, processing and manufacturing of critical minerals is carried out in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Does clean energy mean less mining? 

The short answer is yes, a clean energy future can reduce the scale and volume of mining overall.

Various studies, including the International Energy Agency’s Energy Technology Perspectives 2023 report have indicated that transitioning to a renewable energy-based economy will involve less mining and processing compared to one that is fossil fuel-based.

While fossil fuels are dug up, transported around the world, and burnt once to create energy, critical minerals can be re-used and then recycled multiple times.  

To put it in perspective, approximately 15 billion tonnes of fossil fuels are currently mined and extracted each year. In contrast, the global mining of critical minerals for low-carbon energy amounted to seven million tonnes in 2020. While this amount could increase to 28 million tonnes per year according to the International Energy Agency, that equates to about 535 times less mining than under the current fossil fuelled system.  

By transitioning from fossil fuel-powered energy to an all-renewable electric energy system, we have the potential to drastically reduce the need for extensive mining activities, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Can we reduce the environmental and social impact?

The reality though is all mining activity can have significant negative environmental and social impacts. 

To minimise these impacts, it’s crucial to reduce the overall amount of materials extracted, prioritise their use for climate solutions, maximise the utilisation of recycled materials, and ensure protection of the environment and human rights in the process.

The following guidelines outline ways in which Australia and the world must approach the use of critical minerals more responsibly:

1. Protect the rights of First Nations people

The rights of indigenous people, local communities, and the social wellbeing of workers are vital.

Securing the free, prior and informed consent of First Nations peoples before undertaking any mining activities is essential and project proponents must ensure that the benefits are shared with traditional landowners.

2. Protect biodiversity and climate hotspots

We must not repeat the same extractive model that has contributed to climate change. 

Extraction should be limited to areas far away from biodiversity and climate hotspots such as High Conservation Value areas (HCVs), primary forest and Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL), High Carbon Stock forests (HCS), critical natural wetlands, including peatlands, grassland and shrubland ecosystems, and deep sea areas. 

3. Say no to deep sea mining

Deep sea mining has no place in our oceans. The urgent implementation of a global moratorium on deep sea mining is crucial to conserve and protect our marine ecosystems.

Greenpeace has called on vehicle manufacturers to cease sourcing minerals from deep sea mining, and companies such as BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Renault and Rivian have already committed to this.  

4. Adopt circular economy principles

Embracing the reuse and recycling of materials can reduce the environmental impacts of mining and extend the life cycle of materials. 

While fossil fuels are burnt once, major battery inputs like lithium and copper can be recycled multiple times. By 2040, recycled materials have the potential to supply over half of the essential elements for new batteries, even with growing battery demand. Large companies with high use rates of minerals, such as electric car company Polestar, have declared their intention to transition to a closed-loop system. This approach must be scaled and accelerated.

5. Invest in innovative technologies

Governments and corporations must support research and development in, and adoption of,   more efficient battery technology that reduces dependence on mined minerals. 

Battery technology is already improving quickly – wind turbine and electric vehicle manufacturers have been successful in reducing the mineral content of their products year on year. According to WWF’s The Future Is Circular report, the rapid evolution of the sector is likely to lead to a significant reduction in the need for minerals per unit manufactured.

6. Reduce the demand for critical minerals

The world after a successful clean energy transition will not resemble the world we know today.

Significant reductions in the demand for critical minerals can be achieved through societal and policy changes. For example, instead of a one-for-one replacement of internal combustion engines with electric vehicles, we must focus on having fewer cars on the road by investing in affordable and accessible public transport, improving micro-mobility infrastructure, and changing societal expectations to include more shared journeys.

Greenpeace aims to foster an informed dialogue around the responsible use of critical minerals. Join us as we embark on this journey to build a cleaner, greener future for Australia and the world.

From August 7-9, more than sixty civil society representatives from across the Pacific came together on the remote island of Kioa for a ‘talanoa’ or discussion as part of the next stage of the Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration.

Over two days, delegates discussed pressing climate issues facing Pacific communities, and progressing the design of a regional finance mechanism, the Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund.

Sepesa Rasili, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for global and regional solutions to the climate crisis.

“Pacific Island nations have been leading the way on a range of climate issues, from the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund at COP27, to calls for a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, and the historic Pacific-led campaign for an advisory opinion on the human rights impacts of climate change from the International Court of Justice,” he said.

“The Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund is yet another example of Pacific Island leadership and an illustration to the rest of the world of what’s possible when civil society organisations and governments work together with the collective goal of climate justice.

“We are humbled to have been included in this process and remain committed to working alongside our allies in the Pacific and amplifying the demands they have developed in recognition of the unique challenges that the region is facing.

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to escalate key demands within the Kioa Declaration in recognition of Australia’s position as a global laggard on climate and a major contributor to the climate crisis — that means no new coal, oil and gas approvals and no more fossil fuel subsidies.

“We also call on Minister Penny Wong to make the strongest possible submission to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.”

The residents of Kioa island are descendents of Vaitupu in Tuvalu who began migrating to the Fijian island in the 1940’s. They identify as Tuvaluan, and speak and practise the unique language and culture of Tuvalu. Kioa is considered an example of a successful model for future climate migration, one which preserves culture and human dignity.

In his opening address to the conference, Guest of Honour the Hon. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu Minister for Finance and Climate Change, said high emitting countries must act to protect Pacific nations from rising seas as a matter of moral principle.

“The Pacific island countries contribute the least to the cause of climate change, and yet we do not only suffer the most damage in terms of the impacts of climate change, but we have to consequently bear the heaviest price in terms of cost of adaptation and mitigation,” he said.

“It is within this context that this Kato conference held in Kioa is very timely and visionary.”

The Kato Fund is seen as a powerful vehicle to amplify the unique challenges and solutions small Pacific communities face, and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region.

The Rainbow Warrior leaves Kioa today for Rabi Island to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, before returning to Suva. The ship has been travelling across the Pacific since June, sailing around Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Fiji in solidarity with climate impacted communities and gathering testimonies of climate harm to present to the International Court of Justice.

For more information and a map of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Ship Tour: greenpeace.org.au/act/pacific-campaign

—ENDS—

Deep Sea Mining companies have been ambitiously touting July 2023 as the dawn of their industry, utilising a legal loophole in an attempt to exert pressure on governments for swift approval. However, their plans were met with formidable resistance at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) during a marathon 3-week negotiation process last week.

Governments from around the world demonstrated extraordinary resilience and wisdom by standing united against the commercial pressure exerted by the deep sea mining industry. In an unprecedented move, they refused to yield to short-term interests and prioritised the protection of our precious oceans.

At the heart of this remarkable achievement was the rejection of the proposed ‘mining code’ that would have enabled deep sea mining operations to commence. Governments voiced clear political opposition to the immediate start of deep sea mining, understanding the potential catastrophic consequences it could have on our marine ecosystems.

This milestone marks a crucial turning point in our campaign, demonstrating the power of collective action and the effectiveness of our tireless advocacy. However, we recognise that there is still much work to be done. The fight to safeguard our oceans from this dangerous industry is far from over.

We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our efforts to ensure that deep sea mining remains halted for the long-term. Greenpeace will continue to work tirelessly alongside our allies, engaging in further negotiations and rallying public support to protect our fragile marine environments.

Together, we have shown that when we unite for a common cause, we can make a difference. Let this victory inspire us to persevere in the face of challenges and renew our commitment to safeguarding the oceans and the countless species that call them home.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported us in this campaign, and we invite you to join us in the ongoing struggle to defend our oceans from harm. Together, we can forge a sustainable future that respects the irreplaceable wonders of our deep seas.

Follow Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Climate Justice Ship Tour

“The deep sea mining industry was getting ready to plunge its mechanical teeth into the ocean floor, but their bet backfired as they have seriously underestimated the importance of science and equity over a merely speculative and profit-driven venture. The cracks are appearing in what has to date been a fortress for industry interests as a result of increasing public awareness and mobilisation. It’s clear that most governments do not want their legacy to be green lighting ocean destruction”, said Greenpeace International Oceans campaigner Louisa Casson.

The decisions adopted by the ISA Council on 21 July effectively mean that a majority of countries — including Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Vanuatu, Germany and Switzerland — did not yield to pressure from the industry — supported by nations such as Norway and Mexico — to fast-track rules for deep sea mining. Industry frontrunner The Metals Company saw its share price plummet as markets reacted to the news.[1]  However, the ISA still failed to close a legal loophole for companies to start mining next year. 

At the ISA Assembly this week, pro-mining nations reacted by attempting to silence the growing resistance to deep sea mining in the very place it’s up for negotiation: As of Friday morning, China is still opposing a proposal from Latin American, Pacific and European governments to make space for debate. Such attempts at restricting opposition to deep sea mining went beyond the negotiating table, as the ISA Secretariat, frequently accused of being too close to the industry, restricted journalists and clamped down on peaceful protest during the meetings. 

“Investors looking at what happened in the past week will only see a desperate industry trying to maintain the illusion it has any future. If deep sea mining was truly as sustainable as miners claim and their hearts were truly invested in helping the climate crisis, why block dissent? It’s become clear during these weeks that irresponsibly pressing ahead to mine the deep sea in the middle of a climate crisis is not only reckless but politically toxic. The world is fighting back against deep sea mining – there’s a big fight ahead, but the fight is on,” Casson continued. 

The world is waking up to the significance of the threat from deep sea mining. The calls of Indigenous Peoples are being joined by people across the world: 37 financial institutions, over 750 scientists and the fishing industry have also called for a halt. 

“In the Pacific, the ocean is dear to us. It informs our lives and who we are as a people. The spectre of deep-sea mining raises many concerns that remind us of the legacies our region has felt from other colonial extractive industries and the barbarous nuclear testing era. We call on world leaders to be better stewards of our ocean by joining the call for a moratorium,” said Joey Tau, Campaigner with the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) based in Suva, Fiji. 

Greenpeace believes that the way to stop this industry is through a moratorium that focuses on putting protection in place and that requires more governments to speak up to safeguard the ocean. 

1. Avoid Rushed Mining Approvals:
   Greenpeace urges the ISA Council to prioritise ocean protection. We call on governments to ensure that commercial deep sea mining does not start this year. The Council should instruct the Legal and Technical Committee (LTC) not to approve any mining plans without a comprehensive ‘mining code’ in place. Rushing mining approvals under industry pressure is unacceptable and threatens marine ecosystems.
2. Support a Moratorium:
   During the ISA Assembly meeting, Greenpeace calls on governments to work towards adopting a moratorium as a general policy. Express support for the moratorium this year and coordinate with like-minded countries. A moratorium would safeguard our oceans and allow time for thorough assessments of the potential environmental impacts of deep sea mining.
3. Participate Actively and Mobilize:
   Greenpeace asks governments to actively engage in intersessional dialogues, especially the virtual one on 30th May. This involvement is critical to make progress on the ‘what if’ scenario and reach agreements on safeguarding the oceans. Governments should also mobilize Assembly members to participate in the meeting in Kingston, ensuring crucial decisions are made to protect our ocean’s future.
4. Emphasise Legal Solutions:
   Greenpeace emphasises that a moratorium is legally possible and consistent with UNCLOS and ISA frameworks. Governments supporting a pause or moratorium should actively explore legal avenues to achieve this goal and foster collaboration with other Council members.Greenpeace’s asks for the ISA meetings in July 2023 are straightforward: prioritise ocean protection, prevent rushed mining approvals, support a moratorium, participate actively in discussions, and emphasise legal solutions. Together, we can work towards sustainable practices and protect our oceans from the imminent threat of deep sea mining. Let’s take collective action for a healthier marine ecosystem and a sustainable future.