Overview

This Deep Sea Mining Act 2014 amends the 1981 Deep Sea Mining (Temporary Provisions) Act to align UK law with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding deep sea mining. It establishes a licensing system for deep sea mining, clarifies regulatory powers, and addresses dispute resolution mechanisms.

Description

The bill primarily amends the 1981 Act, updating its provisions to reflect international legal obligations under UNCLOS Part XI. Key changes include:

• Licensing: Establishes a system for granting exploration and exploitation licenses for deep sea mining, requiring licenses for both exploration and exploitation activities. Licenses will be issued by the Secretary of State or Scottish Ministers, dependent upon location, and are subject to terms and conditions, including environmental protection requirements, and fees.
• International Seabed Authority (ISA) Contracts: The bill clarifies the relationship between UK licenses and contracts granted by the ISA, ensuring consistency and avoiding conflicts.
• Environmental Protection: The Act incorporates provisions to protect the marine environment, including requirements relating to the safety, health and welfare of personnel, waste disposal, and reporting requirements.
• Dispute Resolution: The bill includes provisions for the recognition and enforcement of decisions made by the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and arbitration awards.
• Regulatory Powers: The bill clarifies and updates the powers of the Secretary of State and the Scottish Ministers to regulate deep sea mining activities within their respective jurisdictions, including the power to make regulations.
• Repeal of Levy and Fund: The bill repeals provisions relating to a deep sea mining levy and the Deep Sea Mining Fund from the 1981 Act.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't explicitly state the impact on government spending. However, the introduction of licensing fees is likely to generate revenue for the UK government. Conversely, there may be costs associated with administration and regulation.

Groups Affected

• Deep sea mining companies: Will be directly impacted by the licensing requirements, environmental regulations, and fees.
• Environmental groups: Will be interested in the environmental protection measures included in the bill.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA): The bill's provisions aim for closer alignment with ISA regulations and procedures.
• Scottish and UK Governments: Will have increased regulatory responsibilities and revenue generation potential.
• Scientists and Researchers: May be affected by data-sharing and research regulations related to deep sea mining.

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