LEGAL AND TECHNICAL COMMISSION AGREES ON NEXT STEP IN STUDY OF SULPHIDES AND CRUSTS

LEGAL AND TECHNICAL COMMISSION AGREES ON NEXT STEP

IN STUDY OF SULPHIDES AND CRUSTS

(Reissued as received.)

KINGSTON, 9 August (International Seabed Authority) -- The Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority completed its weeklong session in Kingston this afternoon after giving preliminary consideration to the subject of polymetallic massive sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.  The Commission agreed to ask for a two-week session next year at which it would examine specific issues relating to the regulation of exploration for these mineral resources.

Summarizing the Commission’s proposals for its continuing work, the Chairman, Arne Bjørlykke (Norway), suggested that it divide into four working groups during the first week.  With the help of outside experts, these groups would consider several topics identified as requiring further study:  (1) the size of exploration areas and a system whereby contractors might relinquish some of these areas to the Authority; (2) the type of arrangements between contractors and the Authority, whether a parallel system in which areas would be split between the two, joint ventures or some other formula; (3) the form of the work plans that applicants would be required to submit, detailing their intentions; and (4) the environmental impacts of exploration activities.  During the second week, the Commission would convene formally to pursue its work.

Explaining the reason for convening working groups, the Chairman observed that Commission members needed much more information before they could develop regulations.

The 24-member Commission began its work on this topic this week by reviewing a report submitted last year by the Secretary-General of the Authority, which included suggestions for model clauses in future contracts governing exploration for these resources (ISBA/7/C/2).

Secretary-General Satya N. Nandan commented to the Commission on a suggestion that the Authority might apply temporary arrangements to allow exploration to proceed expeditiously. 

He observed that applicants would need a measure of certainty about their rights before considering investments in the area.  Addressing the view that the development of regulations might be premature in view of the limited scientific knowledge, he noted that the Authority was required to act on the request made by the Russian Federation in 1998 that it deal with this matter.

The Chairman will report to the Council of the Authority next week on the results of the Commission’s work.