International Seabed Authority assembly in Jamaica debates deep‑sea mining rules
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) held its full assembly in Kingston, Jamaica from 27 July to 31 July 2026, with 172 member states participating. Delegates are discussing a draft regulatory framework – often called a “mining code” – to govern deep‑sea mining of manganese nodules that contain manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel, key materials for electric‑vehicle batteries.
ISA Secretary‑General Leticia Carvalho stressed that the deep‑sea floor needs a clear, effective, internationally agreed regulatory regime. The United States, which is not an ISA member, is pushing for unilateral approval of mining contracts, while environmental groups such as WWF, Greenpeace and the U.S. Center for Biological Diversity have issued a report titled “Outside The Rules” warning that rapid adoption of the rules could enable commercial mining and cause irreversible damage. Australia announced its support for a global moratorium on deep‑sea mining ahead of the assembly, joining calls from many states and NGOs for a precautionary pause until the environmental impacts are proven harmless.
Entities: Australia · Greenpeace · International Seabed Authority · Leticia Carvalho · United States · World Wide Fund for Nature
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The ISA is drafting a regulatory framework, often called a “mining code,” for deep‑sea mining. (new)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Deep‑sea mining would target manganese nodules that contain manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel used for electric‑vehicle batteries. (new)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The International Seabed Authority held its full assembly in Jamaica from 27 July to 31 July 2026. (new)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The United States, a non‑member of the ISA, is urging unilateral approval of deep‑sea mining contracts. (new)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Leticia Carvalho said the deep‑sea floor needs clear, effective, internationally agreed regulations. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Greenpeace and the U.S. Center for Biological Diversity issued a report titled “Outside The Rules” warning that rapid adoption of ISA rules would enable commercial mining applications. (Report release)
- [● 4 SOURCES] 172 member states are participating in the ISA assembly. (Assembly participation count)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Environmental groups such as WWF and Greenpeace are demanding a moratorium on deep‑sea mining until impacts are proven harmless. (new)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Australia announced support for a global moratorium on deep‑sea mining ahead of the ISA assembly. (new)