Mexico supports a moratorium on deep-sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction

• As a member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council, Mexico reiterates its commitment to protect the deep-sea ecosystem.

In light of the global environmental crises and the urgent need to protect the common heritage of humanity, Mexico, in accordance with the precautionary principle and with full respect for international law, has decided to support the moratorium on seabed mining until there is sufficient scientific information to provide certainty about its environmental impact, and rules, regulations, procedures, standards and guidelines have been established to protect the marine environment against any potentially harmful effects.

In addition, Mexico maintains that adequate enforcement, inspection, monitoring and compliance mechanisms should be established in advance of any possible mining activity outside of national jurisdiction.

Mexico will not sponsor or support the ISA Council in granting any exploration licenses until there is sufficient scientific information that ensures the marine environment is protected, in addition to a solid and complete legal framework.

Through national and international legislation, Mexico is committed to protecting and conserving the marine ecosystem because of its key role in the ecological balance and life on earth. It is in this spirit that Mexico, as a State party to the ISA and council member, reiterates its commitment and readiness to work within the ISA to ensure the proper governance of the seabed, and to ensure that the common heritage of humanity is  effectively and equitably protected.

Finally, there is consensus that, given the current state of scientific knowledge, there is no certainty about the real impact that seabed exploitation would have on the marine environment. Mexico welcomes the commitment of the Council members that have chosen not to support deep-sea mining until there is scientific certainty regarding its potential impacts, and supports the ISA’s work to research the situation before beginning any activity that could put biodiversity and, therefore, our future, at risk.