Africa Urged To Lead Global Debate On Deep-Sea Mining Before Security Risks Escalate

Deep-sea mining is rapidly evolving from an environmental and resource development issue into a significant geopolitical and maritime security concern, prompting calls for African nations to play a leading role in shaping global governance before commercial extraction begins.

The issue gained renewed attention during the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, where Malawi, Kenya and Madagascar joined more than 40 countries in supporting a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining activities in international waters. The move reflects growing concern over the potential environmental, economic and security implications of exploiting mineral resources located thousands of metres beneath the ocean surface.

International waters account for approximately 64% of the world’s oceans and include the international seabed, an area governed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The convention classifies the seabed beyond national jurisdiction as the “common heritage of humankind,” requiring that it be managed for the benefit of all nations and reserved for peaceful purposes.

Scientists estimate that while oceans cover around 70% of Earth’s surface, less than one-third of the seabed has been accurately mapped, and only a tiny fraction of the deep ocean has ever been explored. Despite these knowledge gaps, interest in extracting valuable minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel and manganese continues to accelerate due to growing global demand for batteries, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

However, many researchers argue that increased recycling, improved battery technology and circular economy initiatives could reduce pressure to exploit fragile deep-sea ecosystems while still supplying critical minerals required for the global energy transition.

Beyond environmental concerns, experts are increasingly warning that deep-sea mining could become a strategic security issue as competition intensifies between major global powers.

Recent investigations have suggested that some deep-sea exploration activities may also serve military objectives. Reports indicate that several research vessels linked to state-owned organisations have spent significant periods operating outside their approved exploration zones while collecting seabed data in strategically important maritime regions.

Detailed mapping of the ocean floor has considerable military value, helping identify submarine routes, underwater communication infrastructure and strategic maritime corridors. More than 95% of global internet traffic is transmitted through submarine cables located on the seabed, making these assets increasingly important for both economic and national security.

The growing overlap between scientific exploration, commercial mining and military intelligence has raised concerns that deep-sea mining could become another arena for geopolitical competition.

These concerns intensified after the United States announced measures aimed at accelerating seabed mineral development outside the existing International Seabed Authority framework, citing national security and supply chain resilience as key priorities. The move has further highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals and intensified debate over the future governance of international seabed resources.

For Africa, the issue extends beyond environmental protection. The continent’s coastal nations, island states and terrestrial mineral producers all have significant interests in ensuring that future seabed mining is governed fairly and transparently. Unregulated extraction could affect global mineral markets while creating new security challenges across African maritime zones that are already experiencing increased geopolitical competition.

With the International Seabed Authority expected to continue developing mining regulations, African governments are being encouraged to present a coordinated continental position that addresses environmental protection, equitable benefit sharing, climate considerations, economic impacts and maritime security.

Analysts argue that Africa has both the legal standing and diplomatic influence to shape future international policy. By advocating for stronger safeguards, greater transparency and a precautionary approach to deep-sea mining, the continent can help ensure that one of Earth’s least understood ecosystems is protected while preventing future geopolitical tensions from extending to the ocean floor.