The International Seabed Authority
How the ISA governs mineral resources on the deep ocean floor and the debate over deep-sea mining.
Governing the Ocean Floor
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under UNCLOS and headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, is responsible for regulating mineral activities on the deep ocean floor beyond any nation's jurisdiction, an area UNCLOS calls 'the Area.' Under Article 136, the Area and its mineral resources are 'the common heritage of mankind,' meaning no state may claim sovereignty over them and any exploitation must benefit humanity as a whole.
The ISA has granted 31 exploration contracts to state-sponsored entities and private companies for polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulfides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts. These minerals contain manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technology. The transition to green energy has intensified interest in these resources, as land-based deposits face environmental and political constraints.