The Council of the International Seabed Authority (the Authority) successfully concluded the first part of its thirtieth session, advancing discussions on the development of regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area.

All 36 Council Members participated in the session, alongside 24 non-Council Members and 26 observer delegations.

Progress on the Draft Exploitation Regulations

The Council completed a reading of the Revised Consolidated Text of the Draft Exploitation Regulations issued by the President of the Council in November 2024, covering the Preamble through draft regulation 55.

To ensure clarity and consensus, negotiations proceeded on a regulation-by-regulation basis, fostering in-depth discussions among delegations. While significant progress has been made on many aspects, some thematic issues require further deliberation.

Responses to The Metals Company’s Announcement

On March 28, 2025, Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho formally addressed the Council regarding a press release issued by The Metals Company (TMC), in which the company announced the intent of its subsidiary TMC USA to apply for deep-sea mining permits under US regulations.

In her statement, Madam Secretary-General expressed deep concern, emphasizing that the Authority holds exclusive jurisdiction over all activities in the international seabed area, which is recognized as the common heritage of humankind under UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement. She reaffirmed that any unilateral actions outside this framework violate international law and undermine multilateral governance.

The remarks of Madam Secretary-General received strong support from numerous delegations, many of whom echoed concerns over TMC’s announcement, reaffirming their commitment to the established legal regime under UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement. Several delegations stressed the necessity of a robust regulatory framework before any exploitation activities commence. Despite differing views on the pace of regulatory development, all delegations reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Authority’s mandate and its role in governing seabed activities.

Next Steps in Regulatory Discussions

Member States will continue submitting proposals to refine outstanding draft regulations, annexes, and related documents. A high-level dialogue on standards and guidelines has begun, acknowledging their critical role in establishing a strong regulatory framework. Further discussions are planned for July, especially concerning the hierarchy of these guidelines. Many delegations are urging the Legal and Technical Commission to prioritize the work on the Standards and Guidelines.

To make further progress on the Draft Exploration Regulations, informal working groups will continue intersessional work on key thematic issues, including

• test and pilot mining
• effective control
• underwater cultural heritage
• coastal State rights and interests
• inspection, compliance, and enforcement mechanisms.

Some delegations have also volunteered to lead new groups, including on regional environmental management plans. These groups will conduct virtual meetings and submit proposals ahead of the July 2025 Council session.

A new initiative, the “Friends of the President” volunteer group, was introduced to facilitate targeted regulatory refinements within a set time frame. This approach was widely welcomed, with delegations calling for clear timelines, structured coordination, and transparent reporting mechanisms.

As negotiations progressed, the President of the Council for the thirtieth session, Ambassador Duncan Laki, reminded us that the principle “Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” remains. “Continued collaboration and compromise will be essential in finalizing a comprehensive regulatory framework that upholds the principles of sustainability, equity, and responsible stewardship of the international seabed,” he said.

For more information, visit https://www.isa.org.jm/sessions/30th-session-2025.