Deep Sea Mining in International Waters

Baroness Sheehan Excerpts

Monday 30th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

That is exactly what our negotiations next week will be about. The precautionary principle is at the heart of the Government’s approach to deep sea mining. What we have in place is not a ban, which would be inconsistent with UNCLOS. Once the preconditions are met, we will consider proper exploitation licences on their merit. The important thing is that we need to better understand the implications. We need to protect our planet, and that is what we will continue to do. The minerals that we need to green our economy are not simply at the bottom of the sea. We need to work in partnership with Africa, which is a huge resource.

[Baroness Sheehan (LD)]

My Lords, can the Minister update the House on the progress of the UK’s scientific network of experts on deep sea mining? How are its findings being shared with the ISA?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

In my meeting with the civil servants this morning, I spoke about our participation in next week’s meeting of the council of the ISA. We will ensure that we take into account all the expert advice, not restricted just to that from this country but in working with our allies in the council of the ISA to ensure that all available information is in place so that we can develop strong, proper regulations.