SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS
jobs , there is increasing pressure from a few companies to begin mining the deep seabed . With much of the deep-sea ecosystem yet to be explored and understood , such activity would be recklessly short-sighted .”
By committing to this public statement , the signatories pledged not to source any minerals from the deep sea , and to refrain from using mineral resources from the deep sea in their supply chains and not to finance deep-sea mining activities .
Regulations to support deep-sea mining have yet to be agreed upon by the International Seabed Authority ( ISA ). The UN-backed body of 167 countries has already issued exploration contracts to 21 companies , but they cannot begin this type of mining operation until the regulation is passed .
Sustainability – the expert ’ s view TDi Sustainability develops sustainability strategies for businesses across sectors , including mining . It played an integral role in the development of The Copper Mark – inspired by United Nations Sustainability Goals ; this project seeks to provide a credible assurance framework to promote responsible production practices and demonstrate the copper industry ’ s commitment to the green transition . TDi offers a breadth of expertise in the sustainability sector and the capability to develop pragmatic and solutions-oriented advice for clients .
The conversation around Deep-Sea Mining ( DSM ) was brought under the spotlight , causing heated debate and media coverage , when The Metals Company revealed plans to become the first company to extract cobalt , copper , nickel , and rare earth minerals from the deep seabed in commercial quantities by 2024 .
“ ( The moratorium ) is a clear message to those who are swayed by the false promise that deep seabed mining is a ‘ green ’ and attractive investment proposition . It is not so ”
JOHN TANZER , GLOBAL OCEAN LEADER , WWF
92 July 2021