The deep-sea mining (DSM) industry operates under the premise that mineral deposits in international waters are the “common heritage of mankind.” However, this has become a domain controlled primarily by a handful of governments and corporations from the Global North, often embroiled in concerns over corruption and environmental destruction. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), responsible for overseeing DSM contracts, faces significant scrutiny due to its lack of transparency and insufficient regulatory frameworks. It currently lacks effective whistleblowing mechanisms that could help combat corruption and fraud.
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing within the DSM sector. The ISA’s current draft regulations include a whistleblower policy, but to be effective, it needs to address three key components: protection against retaliation, financial incentives for whistleblowers, and a commitment to enforce investigations based on their reports. Without these elements, potential whistleblowers may find it too risky to come forward, especially when internal reporting is fraught with dangers of retaliation.
The ISA’s lack of transparency also breeds conflicts of interest. Criticisms mount regarding how contracts are awarded, with allegations that the process benefits primarily companies from the Global North while marginalizing the interests of developing countries in the Global South. This imbalance contradicts the goals set forth by the United Nations...
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