Model UN Background Guide

Committee: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Topic: Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium

Conference Year: 2026

1. Topic Background

Deep-sea mining refers to the exploration and extraction of mineral resources from the ocean floor, typically at depths of 200 meters or more. These resources include polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, which contain valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements essential for modern technologies like batteries, electronics, and renewable energy infrastructure.

Interest in deep-sea mining has surged in recent decades due to increasing demand for these metals and concerns over terrestrial mining’s environmental and social impacts. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regulates mining activities in international waters (the “Area”). Several contracts for exploration have been granted, with some companies and states preparing to move toward commercial mining.

However, deep-sea ecosystems are fragile and poorly understood. Scientific studies indicate that mining could cause irreversible damage to unique biodiversity hotspots, disrupt ecological functions, and affect fisheries and carbon sequestration. Environmentalists, some scientists, and several governments argue that more research is needed before mining begins.

In response to these concerns, a growing number of states and organizations have called for a moratorium on commercial deep-sea mining until robust environmental safeguards, impact assessments, and governance frameworks are in place. This topic has gained urgency as the ISA nears the completion of its “Mining Code” to regulate exploitation. UNEP, with its mandate to promote sustainable environmental practices, is a key forum for discussing the environmental implications and global governance of deep-sea mining.

The moratorium debate intersects with broader issues of sustainable development, ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation, making it a priority on UNEP’s agenda in 2026.

2. Key Actors

• International Seabed Authority (ISA): The primary international organization responsible for regulating deep-sea mining in international waters. The ISA oversees exploration contracts and is developing the exploitation regulations (“Mining Code”). Its decisions shape the legal framework for mining activities.

• Pacific Island States (e.g., Nauru, Tonga, Fiji): These states have granted exploration contracts and are economically interested in mining benefits, but also express environmental concerns due to their reliance on marine ecosystems.

• European Union (EU): Strong advocate for precautionary approaches and environmental protection; several EU member states support a moratorium until scientific knowledge improves.

• Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Often emphasize the need for environmental protection and equitable benefit-sharing; many support a moratorium to safeguard marine biodiversity and livelihoods.

• Industrialized Mining Countries (e.g., China, Russia, Japan, South Korea): These states have significant technological capacity and commercial interests in deep-sea mining; often push for timely development of mining regulations and commencement of exploitation.

• Environmental NGOs (e.g., Greenpeace, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition): Vocal opponents of deep-sea mining, advocating for a moratorium based on the precautionary principle and ecosystem protection.

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Facilitates scientific assessments, policy dialogue, and capacity-building on marine environmental issues, including deep-sea mining.

3. Bloc Positions

1. Precautionary Bloc (Moratorium Supporters)

Composed mainly of the EU, many SIDS (e.g., Pacific and Caribbean island states), LDCs, and environmental NGOs. This bloc argues that insufficient scientific knowledge and environmental safeguards exist to allow commercial mining. They call for an indefinite moratorium until comprehensive impact assessments, biodiversity protection measures, and transparent governance frameworks are established.

2. Development and Resource Utilization Bloc

Includes industrialized mining states such as China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and some resource-rich developing countries. This bloc emphasizes the economic and strategic importance of deep-sea minerals for green technologies and energy transitions. They advocate for the timely finalization of the ISA’s Mining Code and the commencement of exploitation under strict environmental regulations, opposing outright moratoria.

3. Mixed-Interest Bloc

Comprised of Pacific Island countries like Nauru and Tonga, which hold exploration contracts but also express environmental concerns. This bloc seeks a balanced approach that allows controlled mining with strong environmental monitoring and benefit-sharing mechanisms. They often propose phased or conditional moratoria rather than indefinite bans.

4. Scientific and Technical Advisory Bloc

Includes UNEP, the ISA’s Legal and Technical Commission, and scientific institutions. This bloc stresses the importance of rigorous scientific research, environmental baseline studies, and adaptive management strategies. They generally support precaution but focus on evidence-based policy rather than political positions.

4. Past UN Action

• UNGA Resolution 69/292 (2015): Encouraged states to promote sustainable development of oceans and called for enhanced scientific research on deep-sea mining impacts.
• UNGA Resolution 74/19 (2019): Recognized the need for precaution in deep-sea mining and urged the ISA to ensure environmental protection in developing the Mining Code.
• UNEP Governing Council Decision 27/2 (2003): Addressed marine biodiversity conservation, including deep-sea ecosystems, setting a precedent for UNEP engagement.
• ISA Council Decisions: Various non-numbered decisions related to exploration contracts and environmental guidelines, reflecting incremental regulatory progress but no consensus on exploitation.
• Reports by the UN Secretary-General and UNEP: Periodic assessments highlighting environmental risks and governance challenges of deep-sea mining.

5. Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. Should the UNEP advocate for a global moratorium on commercial deep-sea mining, and if so, under what conditions?
2. How can environmental impact assessments be standardized and enforced for deep-sea mining activities?
3. What mechanisms should be established to ensure transparency, public participation, and access to information regarding mining operations?
4. How can benefit-sharing be structured to support developing countries and SIDS dependent on marine resources?
5. What role should scientific research and monitoring play before and during mining activities?
6. How can UNEP coordinate with the ISA and other relevant bodies to strengthen environmental governance of deep-sea mining?
7. What measures can be implemented to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots from mining impacts?

6. Further Reading

• UN Documents: Official UNGA resolutions on oceans and the environment, UNEP reports on marine biodiversity and deep-sea mining, and ISA publications on exploration and mining regulations provide authoritative legal and policy frameworks.
• Think-Tank Reports: Analyses from institutions such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, and the Stockholm Environment Institute offer in-depth assessments of environmental risks, governance challenges, and economic implications.
• News Outlets: Reputable international media sources covering recent developments, stakeholder debates, and scientific discoveries related to deep-sea mining provide current perspectives and evolving political dynamics.

This background guide aims to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the complex environmental, economic, and governance issues surrounding the deep-sea mining moratorium debate. Effective resolutions will require balancing sustainable development goals with the precautionary protection of one of Earth’s last largely unexplored frontiers.