Global Politics Explainer

CWA # 1763
Global Politics Explainer
UN Ocean Conference, Deep Sea Mining and Seabed Exploitation
What is driving the global concern over seabed exploitation? And what is France’s interest?

Lekshmi MK
21 July 2025

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During 9-13 June, the United Nations Ocean Conference III was held in Nice. Deep-seabed mining emerged as a major point of concern. World leaders, including France President Emmanuel Macron, described it as "madness" and called for a global moratorium. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against turning the deep sea into a “Wild West” without rules or science. A coalition of over 37 countries urged a pause, stressing protection over exploitation of ocean floors. 

What is deep sea mining?
Deep sea mining is the process of extracting useful minerals from the bottom of the ocean at the depths of over 200 metres. These minerals like copper, nickel and cobalt found in rocks, metal lumps that lie on or under the seafloor. These minerals are vital for green technologies such as batteries, electronics. 

Deep sea mining is still in experimental phase and has become a raising concern. It is transitioning from exploration to commercial extraction. Corporations and states are eager to tap seabed resources. The issue gained momentum at the UN Ocean Conference III in Nice, as world leaders raised alarms over its ecological risks. Also, the leaders called for urgent governance reforms before large-scale mining begins.

Is it “madness” and a “Wild West”? 
President Macron's description of deep sea mining as a "madness" highlighted the shift in prioritising profit over planetary health. He emphasised that conservation should be prioritised than the commercial gain. He questioned the idea of disturbing one of Earth’s most fragile and least understood ecosystems in the name of profit, especially when its long-term consequences remain unknown. The UN Secretary-General Guterres's "Wild West" pointed out to the absence of global rules to curtail deep sea mining activities. His concern rooted the fact that deep sea activities are outpacing international governance. Through this analogy he highlighted without strong global rules, there is a risk that major powers and corporations may act freely, putting vulnerable marine ecosystems at risk. Both leaders called for a global moratorium, urging that science must guide action before irreversible harm is done. 

How is the seabed governed or not governed?
The seabed is marked by significant gaps. Within a country's coastline called Exclusive Economic zones (EEZs) up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline, national government hold authority. However, beyond these zones lies “the Area”, part of the seabed that falls under international jurisdiction. The area is regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ISA is tasked with overseeing exploration and managing mineral resources in international waters. Yet, its effectiveness is limited. The ISA has not finalised a Mining Code. Its enforcement mechanisms remain weak. It faces criticisms for being non-transparent with limited accountability. As a result, large parts of the ocean floor are under partial governance.

Who is impacted by deep seabed mining?
First, marine ecosystems are at a greater risk and may be destroyed even before they are discovered. Mining activities could destroy these habitats before they are fully studied. It may potentially lead to irreversible biodiversity loss and the disruption of deep-sea ecological balance. Second, the fishing industries could suffer from declining fish populations due the alteration in food chains and nutrient cycles. This threatens global fisheries, particularly in regions already struggling with overfishing. Third, coastal communities would be at risk if the ocean health is compromised. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were vulnerable due to their dependence on marine resources. Many depend on healthy oceans for food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. If ocean health is compromised due to industrial mining, these vulnerable regions could face economic and environmental instability.
 
How is France shaping the global conversation on ocean governance and deep-sea mining?
 France had been shaping international discourse on ocean governance in particularly regarding deep sea mining. President Macron's call for global moratorium reflected France's commitment to marine environmental protection. Also, as holder of official exploration contracts through the International Seabed Authority (ISA), France plays a direct role in shaping how future regulations would be developed. This dual approach would allow France to both engage in seabed resource politics and advocate for stronger international governance. France attempts to influence the emerging legal and environmental frameworks surrounding seabed mining. It also positions itself as a leader in balancing sustainability with geopolitical interests.

References
Angeli Mehta, "Analysis: UN talks delivered a drop in the ocean of finance and policy change needed to save the sea," Reuters, 25 June 2025
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/analysis-un-talks-delivered-drop-ocean-finance-policy-change-needed-save-sea-2025-06-25

"Stop deep-sea mining, says Macron, in call for new laws to protect ecosystems," Guardian, 11 June 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/01/stop-deep-sea-mining-says-macron-in-call-for-new-laws-to-protect-ecosystems

Vivienne Wait, "The World is looking to Europe to ‘Resist,’ Says French Foreign Minister," Time, 11 June 2025
https://time.com/7292963/jean-noel-barrot-interview-france-oceans-trump

"International Seabed Authority Council – France calls for expanding the coalition against deep-sea mining," French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, 31 March 2023.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/climate-and-environment/news/2023/article/international-seabed-authority-council-france-calls-for-expanding-the-coalition 
 
About the author
Lekshmi MK is a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. Her research interests include ocean governance, geopolitics of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, the impact of climate change on maritime security, and environmental diplomacy

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