Deep-Sea Mining - Newsy Today

The Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia coalition has formally petitioned the Indonesian government to support a moratorium on deep-sea mining (DSM) ahead of the 31st International Seabed Authority (ISA) session in 2026. According to an official letter sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on June 19, 2026, the coalition warns that commercial extraction risks permanent ecological damage and the disruption of vital ocean carbon sinks.

Why is Indonesia’s role at the ISA critical?

Indonesia holds a seat on the ISA Council for the 2023–2026 term, giving the nation a direct hand in shaping the “Mining Code.” This regulatory framework will determine if and how companies can commercially harvest seabed minerals. According to PWYP National Coordinator Aryanto Nugroho, Indonesia’s position is significant because the country is currently being targeted by global entities, including The Metals Company (TMC), as a potential processing hub for polymetallic nodules. PWYP asserts that using domestic smelters for these deep-sea ores could lead to severe waste accumulation in Indonesia’s coastal zones.

Did you know? Deep-sea sediments act as massive natural carbon sinks. Scientists cited by the UN Human Rights Council suggest that disturbing these layers could release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, potentially accelerating climate change.

What are the primary environmental risks of deep-sea mining?

The core opposition to DSM centers on the potential for irreparable harm to marine biodiversity. Research referenced by PWYP indicates that once deep-sea ecosystems are disrupted, they may be impossible to remediate. Beyond the loss of species, there is a direct threat to human rights and food security. According to Aryanto, heavy metal pollution from mining operations could accumulate in regional fishery resources, directly impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on the ocean for protein and income.

How does the proposed moratorium compare to current regulations?

There is currently no finalized global framework for commercial seabed extraction, which is exactly why the upcoming ISA sessions are so contentious. While industry proponents argue that deep-sea minerals are essential for the green energy transition, civil society groups like PWYP contend that these benefits do not outweigh the ecological costs. If Indonesia joins the call for a moratorium, it would become the first Asian nation to formally oppose the commercialization of seabed mining, creating a significant diplomatic shift within the ISA.

Deep-sea mining: How the Cook Islands is opening its seabed for exploration | AFP

Pro Tip: Tracking Environmental Policy

To stay updated on ocean governance, monitor the official International Seabed Authority (ISA) portal. Their document archives provide the most accurate look at how individual member states, including Indonesia, vote on proposed mining regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mining Code? It is a set of rules currently being negotiated by the ISA to govern the exploration and potential commercial exploitation of minerals on the international seabed.
Why is PWYP Indonesia concerned about smelters? The coalition fears that if Indonesia becomes a global processing hub for deep-sea ores, the resulting toxic waste from the refining process will be dumped into or near local coastal ecosystems.
Has any country already opposed deep-sea mining? Several nations have already expressed support for a precautionary pause or moratorium, but Indonesia would be the first in Asia to take this formal stance if the government accepts the PWYP recommendation.

What is your take on the balance between green energy resource needs and ocean conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the 2026 ISA session.