The Legal Battle Between Deep-Sea Mining Company and Greenpeace Activists
An ongoing legal dispute has emerged between a deep-sea mining company and the environmental advocacy group Greenpeace. The company, which operates the research vessel Coco, has initiated legal proceedings against Greenpeace in order to remove activists who are impeding the vessel’s operations.
Activists from Greenpeace have disrupted the operations of the Coco, which is currently engaged in research in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone to evaluate a polymetallic nodule lease area. The activist group used kayaks, small boats, and a team of climbers to obstruct the ship’s activities.
The charterer of the Coco, NORI – a subsidiary of The Metals Company (TMC) – has filed a lawsuit in the Netherlands seeking an injunction to compel Greenpeace to cease their protest. NORI has stated that they will seek a fine of approximately $10 million if the activists persist in obstructing the ship’s operations.
In spite of the legal action taken by NORI, Greenpeace has expressed their determination to continue the protest until the Coco vacates the mineral exploration area. Louisa Casson, a spokesperson for Greenpeace, stressed the importance of peaceful activism and pledged to prevent deep-sea mining from commencing.
TMC plans to apply for international permission to commence seabed mining in July 2024, and Greenpeace claims that the data gathered during the Coco’s expedition will be used as part of the permitting request.
In response to the situation, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the governing body for seabed mining in international waters, has expressed support for the legal action to halt Greenpeace’s protest. ISA staff members are currently onboard the Coco.
Given the escalating tensions, the Secretary-General of ISA, Michael Lodge, has called for an immediate cessation of the Greenpeace protest, citing concerns for the safety of individuals in the Exploration Area and the potential harm to the marine environment.
Greenpeace has emphasized the need for further research on the potential impact of deep-sea mining on marine life. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, where the Coco is conducting research, remains poorly understood, and scientific surveys of the area often reveal new species. Critics of deep-sea mining have warned about the unknown and potentially damaging impacts, such as habitat destruction and the release of toxins into the water column.
The potential impact of sediment plumes generated by mining activities has also raised concerns. Research has indicated that suspended sediment in the mid-ocean water column could pose a threat to marine species, particularly delicate jellyfish. Scientists have highlighted the potential implications for the marine food web.
As the legal dispute unfolds and the controversy over deep-sea mining intensifies, it is evident that both sides are deeply entrenched in their positions. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of deep-sea mining and its potential impact on the marine environment.
