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DEEP-SEA mining is emerging as a contentious issue ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Turkey, with several countries seeking to halt seabed mineral extraction over environmental concerns, the Financial Times reported.
A coalition of countries, including France, Tuvalu and Panama, is pushing for a ban on deep-sea mining as companies prepare to exploit mineral deposits on the ocean floor.
The initiative is being co-ordinated with the help of Pradeep Singh, a senior adviser at the Oceano Azul Foundation in Lisbon. The countries involved have ratified a global oceans treaty that came into force earlier this year.
Deep-sea mining has attracted growing commercial interest because of the critical minerals found on the seabed. However, governments have failed to resolve concerns about its environmental impact despite years of negotiations.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has expressed support for the industry, even as countries remain deadlocked over rules governing mining in international waters.
China is also among the countries most advanced in exploring the seabed for potential mining opportunities.
According to the FT, Beijing is seeking greater influence over international ocean governance, including veto powers over the designation of marine protected areas in disputed waters such as the South China Sea.
The debate comes amid warnings that deep-sea mining could threaten marine ecosystems, adding to existing pressures on ocean biodiversity.