The Mining Code

Draft exploitation regulations

In accordance with UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement, since 2014, ISA has undertaken work to develop regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area. The process, which started with preliminary work in the context of expert workshops and involved the preparation of a number of expert studies and discussion papers, culminated in the development of draft regulations considered by the Legal and Technical Commission and the Council. Open stakeholder consultations have been undertaken throughout the process.

Current status of the draft exploitation regulations

The LTC has prepared draft exploitation regulations following a transparent process and broad public consultations.

The draft exploitation regulations will now need to be adopted by the Council before any contract for mineral exploitation can be issued.

Previous versions of the draft exploitation regulations

  • June 2018 | Revised Draft Regulations on Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area  [ISBA/24/LTC/WP.1]
  • August 2017 | Draft Regulations on Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area
  • February 2016 | First Working Draft of the regulations and Standard Contract Terms on Exploitation for Mineral Resources in the Area

Stakeholder consultations

The draft exploitation regulations have been prepared by the LTC following a transparent process and a series of broad public consultations (ISBA/26/C/2).

2019

2018

2017

  • Discussion paper on the development and drafting of regulations on exploitation for mineral resources in the Area (environmental matters)
  • Stakeholder submissions to the Draft Regulations on Exploitation for Mineral Resources in the Area

2016

2015

2014