The National Environment Service (NES) says it plays a crucial role in assessing and reviewing environmental matters associated with seabed mineral activities.

This includes the administration of applications for environmental consents and permits. In collaboration with the Seabed Mining Authority (SBMA), the NES ensures regulatory oversight and compliance with environmental management and reporting requirements set forth by license conditions and environmental consents or permits.

The National Environment Council (NEC) under NES serves as the permitting authority for the environmental components of seabed mineral activities.

This Council is responsible for assessing and reviewing applications for environmental consents or project permits, depending on the nature and scale of the proposed seabed mineral activities.

The Council ultimately decides whether to grant or deny these approvals, ensuring that all activities align with environmental sustainability goals.

Approval from the National Environment Council is mandatory for seabed mineral activities. Even if an exploration or mining license is granted, work cannot commence until an environmental permit is issued by the Council.

Any activities conducted under an exploration license must receive prior consent from the Council.

Notably, activities with the potential for significant environmental impact—such as large-scale equipment testing or extraction operations under a mining license—will necessitate a project permit.

To obtain a project permit, the license holder is required to prepare and submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which will be subjected to public consultation. Additionally, environmental permits may come with specific conditions, including monitoring and reporting requirements designed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

While a license issued by the Seabed Mining Authority allows access to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and seabed minerals, it is essential for the license holder to secure approval from the National Environment Council before initiating seabed mineral activities.

This thorough regulatory framework emphasises the National Environment Service’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. NES release