Today: 2 August 2025
31 October 2023
3 mins read

UK backs suspension of deep-sea mining in U-turn

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government had been in favour of exploratory licences, a position criticised by Labour and dozens of scientists…reports Asian Lite News

The UK has for the first time come out in support of a pause in highly controversial mining of the deep-sea bed, having previously supported it.

On Monday, the government added its name to a group of countries seeking a moratorium on new licences to exploit minerals such as lithium, copper and cobalt – vital for green energy – from the deep sea.

The environment department said the precautionary pause is designed to protect the world’s ocean from such projects, which involve heavy machinery scraping deposits from the world’s largest habitat, until more evidence on the impact is available.

It said it would establish a new UK-based network of experts to collect further scientific data.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said the UK will use “our scientific expertise to fully understand the impact of deep sea mining on precious ecosystems; and in the meantime, we will not support or sponsor any exploitation licences”.

The announcement comes as negotiations at the United Nations regulator, the International Seabed Authority, start on Monday, and take place one month before the COP28 climate talks commence in Dubai in December.

Previously, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government had been in favour of exploratory licences, a position criticised by Labour and dozens of scientists.

Now the UK joins countries including Germany, France, Chile and Vanuatu in backing a pause on exploitation licences for the new and contested industry.

Other than from a few small tests, no commercial mining has happened at scale yet, and campaigners say it will be extremely destructive, with full environmental impacts hard to predict.

But deep sea mining is regarded as a potential solution to the expected global shortage of raw materials considered critical to a greener energy future, and used in things like batteries and renewable power.

It is also seen as a way to reduce dependence on the relatively few countries that hold deposits on land, including China, Australia, Russia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The Environmental Audit Committee of MPs has warned since 2019 that deep sea mining would have “catastrophic impacts on habitats and species”.

Its current chair, the Conservative MP Philip Dunne, said the transition to cleaner energy means will “inevitably increase” demand for precious resources that can be extracted by deep sea mining.

“But this must be done in a considered way and with the backing of scientists that the environment and its inhabitants will not be severely impacted,” he said.

Greenpeace UK’s oceans campaigner Fiona Nicholls said: “The UK government’s change of heart on deep sea mining shows the tide is turning against this destructive industry threatening some of the world’s last undisturbed habitats.”

The campaigning group wants the UK to go further by agreeing to a full ban and reconsider its fossil fuel licensing, with climate change being “one of the biggest threats to marine life”.

The PM has recently come under fire from green groups for watering down some key green targets, and an attempt to relax rules on water pollution for homebuilders – though this was later rejected in the House of Lords.

ALSO READ-India, UK see free-trade deal possibly in Dec after polls

Previous Story

Child asylum seekers in UK forced to share rooms with adults

Next Story

Recipe: Delicious Chicken Handi

Latest from -Top News

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite

Famine grips Gaza, WHO warns

WHO said Gaza’s population is facing acute food insecurity under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…reports Asian Lite News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its starkest warning yet about the

Lifeline from UAE to Gaza

UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sustains Gaza’s collapsing health system with hospitals, treatment, aid, and vaccines, offering vital relief to thousands amid deepening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates has

Modi, MBZ talk big ties

The call reaffirmed their keenness to “strengthen relations in line with their shared vision to leverage opportunities and deepen strategic cooperation.”…reports Asian Lite News In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Hundreds of flood warnings after Storm Henk

In the East Midlands, floodwater either breached or surrounded several

Ahead of polls, voters weigh economic concerns

The UK economy came out of recession in the first