Overview

This bill amends the Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) Act 1981, primarily to align UK law with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding deep sea mining. It clarifies licensing procedures, environmental protection measures, and dispute resolution mechanisms related to deep seabed mining activities.

Description

The bill significantly revises the 1981 Act. Key changes include:

Licensing and Regulation:

The bill establishes a clearer framework for licensing deep sea mining activities, both exploration and exploitation. Licences are granted by either the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers, depending on the location. Licences are contingent on corresponding contracts being in place with the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The bill also details the terms and conditions that can be included in licences, covering safety, environmental protection, reporting requirements, and financial obligations.

Environmental Protection:

The bill strengthens environmental protection provisions, requiring licensees to comply with relevant parts of UNCLOS and ISA regulations. It emphasizes safety standards and waste disposal procedures.

Dispute Resolution:

The bill introduces provisions for recognizing and enforcing decisions of the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and arbitration awards under UNCLOS.

Administrative Changes:

The bill removes the deep sea mining levy and fund from the 1981 Act and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Secretary of State and the Scottish Ministers in regulating deep sea mining.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated within the provided text. The bill could lead to increased administrative costs associated with licensing and regulation. It also removes the deep sea mining levy and fund, potentially reducing government revenue, although the financial implications are not quantified.

Groups Affected

• Deep sea mining companies: The bill directly affects these companies through licensing requirements, environmental regulations, and financial obligations.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA): The bill aims to strengthen the UK's cooperation with the ISA.
• Environmental groups: The bill's environmental protection provisions may impact their advocacy efforts, either positively or negatively depending on the implementation.
• Government agencies (UK and Scottish): The bill assigns new regulatory responsibilities to UK and Scottish government agencies.
• Researchers and scientists: The regulations may affect access to and research of the deep seabed.

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