Deep sea mining – Ten things to know about mining applications and licenses

01 | The 'Area' – non-territorial waters and the governing regime

Under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the seabed and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction is designated as the 'Area'.

UNCLOS states that the Area and its resources, including all minerals, are the common heritage of mankind, with governance of the Area being vested in the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

ISA is the body responsible for granting prospecting, exploration and exploitation licenses for all mining activities in the Area.

02 | Mineral ownership and licenses

Prior to the award of any license, all minerals in the Area are the common heritage and ownership of mankind.