Fiji is leading negotiations on international rules governing the closure of deep-sea mining operations during the Thirty-First Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica, while continuing to push for stronger environmental safeguards and a precautionary approach to seabed mineral exploitation.
The ISA's 31st Session, which includes meetings of the Council from July 13 to 24 and the Assembly from July 27 to 31, is advancing negotiations on the Mining Code, the international regulatory framework that will govern commercial deep-sea mining.
Fiji is leading discussions on draft regulations covering Closure Plans, which establish requirements for ending mining activities, including the decommissioning of infrastructure, rehabilitation of affected marine ecosystems, long-term environmental monitoring, and financial guarantees to ensure contractors meet their obligations.
The Fijian delegation is headed by Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources Paula Cirikiyasawa and includes Director for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Anare Leweniqila and Policy Research Officer Samisoni Maravu of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources.
Working with Norway, Fiji proposed amendments to draft regulations on Environmental Management and Monitoring and Closure Plans. According to the delegation, most ISA Council members supported merging key provisions, marking progress toward resolving outstanding issues in the Mining Code.
Beyond Closure Plans, Fiji is participating in negotiations on Effective Control, which addresses how sponsoring states oversee and regulate deep-sea mining contractors. The issue is considered particularly significant for Small Island Developing States.
Fiji is also contributing to all 13 thematic informal working groups covering issues such as environmental management, benefit-sharing, inspection and compliance, regional environmental management plans, underwater cultural heritage, test mining, and coastal state interests.
The Pacific nation continues to advocate for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining until sufficient scientific evidence is available, a comprehensive and enforceable regulatory framework is in place, and robust measures governing environmental protection, liability, and benefit-sharing have been established.
Fiji said its participation aims to ensure Pacific priorities remain central to international decisions on the governance of deep-sea mineral resources.
The ISA Assembly is scheduled to conclude on July 31, with members expected to adopt key Council decisions, including a roadmap for completing negotiations on the Mining Code and an indicative work program for the authority's 32nd Session in 2027.
