By Ajibola Adedoye
Major players in the Deep Seabed Mining have consistently been throwing caution in the wind while searching for the numerous mineral resources being deposited on the seafloor.
The act of extraction of minerals and resources such as copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, phosphorus among others from the ocean floor otherwise known as Deep Seabed Mining undoubtedly have attendant long-lasting negative impacts on deep-water ecosystems due to substrate removal, sediment compaction, and noise pollution.
In the process of extracting these resources from the ocean floor, various methods are being deployed including dredging, hydraulic mining, subsea drilling and nodule collection. Some other aspects of deep sea mining includes; making use of mining vehicles which travels on the seabed and collects nodules, the mining process creates plumes that can rise above the seafloor and create dust storm-like conditions, creating noise and light in the dark and quiet ecosystems of the deep sea, destroying habitats and killing of sea animals by sucking up the seabed, disturbing sediment that can stay suspended in the midwater column for thousands of miles, potentially damaging or suffocating marine.
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Considering the fact that the ocean is transboundary in nature, the African group should consider joining the call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining for several compelling reasons:
Deep seabed mining poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, including potential destruction of habitats, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of marine life. A moratorium would allow for further research and assessment of these environmental impacts before any mining activities commence.
Many African nations are committed to sustainable development goals. A moratorium would align with these goals by ensuring that any resource extraction does not compromise the health of marine environments, which are vital for the livelihoods of coastal communities.
A pause on deep seabed mining would provide an opportunity for comprehensive scientific studies to understand the long-term effects of such activities on ocean health and climate change. This knowledge is crucial for informed decision-making.
The African group can advocate for fair and equitable management of ocean resources. A moratorium would allow for the establishment of frameworks that ensure that benefits from seabed mining are shared equitably among nations, particularly those that are most affected.
Many coastal and indigenous communities depend on healthy marine ecosystems for their livelihoods. A moratorium would protect their rights and interests, allowing for their voices to be heard in discussions about resource management.
By joining the call for a moratorium, the African group can position itself as a leader in global environmental governance, advocating for responsible and sustainable practices in the face of increasing industrial pressures on the ocean.
A moratorium would provide time to develop robust legal and regulatory frameworks that govern deep seabed mining, ensuring that activities are conducted responsibly and with adequate oversight.
Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Nigeria has always been in the forefront championing a secured and sustainable aquatic ecosystem, one of such is a July 2022 “Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue” event on Deep Seabed Mining organized in Lagos.
During the event which attracted major actors from environment, fishery and climate change space where the fulcrum of the discourse centered on the moratorium, Adenike Adeiga, the Lagos Hub Lead (SOA Nigeria) opined that “the goal is to have minimum of 10 years moratorium to suspend activities of mining until a lot of surveys, ocean ecosystem mapping and evaluation are carried out first in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science”
At another fora, a two-day training hosted by SOA Nigeria in September 2024, Adeiga posited; “the ocean is threatened by various human activities and precaution must be taken to guard against further negative impact on the seabed.
According to the SOA Nigeria Lagos Hub Lead, “The importance of the marine environment cannot be overemphasized, from how it supports our livelihoods as humans to providing food security and most importantly its role in regulating the climate.
“Our goal is to foster collaboration, sharing of innovative solutions on how we can take actions individually and encourage our government to join the call for a precautionary pause on Deep Seabed Mining” she stressed.
Joining the call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining aligns with environmental protection, sustainable development, and the rights of local communities, while also positioning the African group as a proactive leader in global marine governance.
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