Prospect for deep seabed mining in a divided world

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Ocean Dev. Int. Law; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00908328509545760· OSTI ID:5867453

Brewer, Jr, W C

Whatever its international implications, sealed mining is simply another commercial mining project in the eyes of mining companies and their bankers. Compared to ore from land sources, the abundance of polymetallic nodules is not well understood; prospects for metal prices are not encouraging; and there are many unknowns involved in scaling-up the apparatus for gathering and lifting nodules from the seabed. With these negatives to be overcome, a favorable legal regime is essential if there is to be any prospect of seabed mining. There is a chance that the Law of the Sea (LOS) Preparatory Commission may attempt to accommodate the needs of the mining countries, but the US will not participate in the negotiations, and the most likely outcome at the moment is the existence of both an LOS regime and a reciprocating states regime under national laws. This cannot be regarded as a favorable development for deep seabed mining.

• Research Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5867453
• Journal Information: Ocean Dev. Int. Law; (United States), Journal Name: Ocean Dev. Int. Law; (United States) Vol. 14:4; ISSN ODILA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ECONOMICS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
LAWS
MINERAL INDUSTRY
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINERAL RIGHTS
MINING
MINING LAWS
RESOURCES
SEA BED
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS