The Status of Deep Sea Mining: An Evolving Landscape
As 2023 draws to a close, the future of deep sea mining in Greenland hangs in the balance, with a moratorium introduced by the former Naalakkersuisut set to expire at the start of the new year. Current legislation permits the issuance of exploration licenses for offshore activities, even in areas classified as “deep sea.” In March 2024, Naalakkersuisut opted for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining, which could last up to two years. This means that while exploration permits can be granted, any actual mining activity will remain on hold during this period.
Naalakkersuisoq for Raw Materials, Naaja H. Nathanielsen (IA), recently shared her intentions with Sermitsiaq, expressing the likelihood of proposing a formal ban on deep sea mining during this legislative term, a move that would require approval from both the Naalakkersuisut and the Inatsisartut.
Knowledge Gaps and Environmental Concerns
The environmental organization Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat has welcomed Nathanielsen’s announcement. They echo concerns regarding the insufficient understanding of the potential impacts of deep sea mining. Parnuna Egede Dahl, a special consultant for the organization, emphasized, “Given the significant knowledge gaps about how deep-sea mining affects marine ecosystems, we firmly oppose it and advocate for a moratorium.”
Dahl elaborated on the need for caution: “We have supported the two-year break championed by the Kingdom of Denmark and hope it can evolve into a full moratorium. However, we are alarmed by the Faroe Islands’ apparent lack of interest in exploring the possibility of deep-sea mining as a new economic venture. This will be a focal point at the upcoming UArctic Conference in Torshavn, where we plan to host discussions on deep-sea mining and its implications for fragile ecosystems.”
Dahl also raised alarm regarding the international interest, especially from China and the U.S., in pursuing deep-sea mining. She stressed, “We aim to push back against these initiatives wherever we can.”
The Urgency of Research
Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat places great importance on scientific research concerning the consequences of deep-sea mining. Dahl cited a recent study published in Nature, which revealed that pumping sediment from the seabed into the water column severely disrupts the primary production of phytoplankton. “Since Greenland depends heavily on a healthy marine environment for its fisheries, we must be especially vigilant about maintaining the ocean’s delicate balance,” she remarked.
Geopolitical Implications
While recognizing the need for a green transition to combat climate change, Oceans North posits that this doesn’t inherently necessitate increased mineral extraction. Dahl argues, “Sustainability shouldn’t start from the assumption that we must mine new resources. By focusing on reuse, recycling, and improved methods for utilizing mineral waste, we could significantly lessen demand for fresh resources.”
From an economic standpoint, many metals targeted by deep-sea mining are not particularly scarce, with viable alternatives available through land-based mining. Additionally, concerns are mounting about the deep sea becoming a geopolitical battleground, potentially sparking resource races and conflicts among nations.
The Economic Backbone: Fishing
At Grønlands Erhverv, director Christian Keldsen noted that the organization has yet to form a definitive stance on deep-sea mining. “We are aware of rising interest in the issue, especially as Greenland currently lacks a formal ban,” he said. “It’s crucial to weigh the positive and negative ramifications in political discussions, particularly concerning ongoing projects like glacier flour extraction and fishing, which form the backbone of our economy.”
Nathanielsen further noted the complexities surrounding any potential bans, as prohibitions on mining could also hinder projects associated with glacier flour and sand extraction. “Nonetheless,” she affirmed, “I see no justification for allowing deep-sea mining.”
As it stands, 40 countries currently endorse a moratorium or preemptive pause on deep-sea mining. The UN’s International Seabed Authority (ISA) continues to negotiate an international framework for deep-sea mining, aiming to find a balance between resource extraction and the preservation of ocean ecosystems, with discussions slated to continue until March 2026.