A necessary diversity of perspectives in decision-making regarding deep seabed mining: implications for science, people and the environment

Bruno Meirelles de Oliveira ^1,2 Brian D. Fath ^2,3,4* Ibon Galparsoro ¹ Maila Guilhon ⁵

• ¹ Marine Research Division, Technology Center Expert in Marine and Food Innovation (AZTI), Pasaia, Spain
• ² International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
• ³ Towson University, Towson, United States
• ⁴ Masaryk University, Brno, South Moravia, Czechia
• ⁵ Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

The transition from the current fossil-based economy towards one that relies on renewable sources of energy allegedly will require a set of minerals for manufacturing batteries that store this energy and power electric devices. Deep seabed mining (DSM) is an economic activity that has the potential to fill these material requirements as it relies on the bottom of the ocean to collect from its rich mineral resources. This activity brings enormous challenges to regulation and potentially irreversible impacts on a large scale. In addition, the seabed is considered a common heritage of humankind, and therefore questions of distributions of burdens and profits also emerge. We build on the premises of social justice, legitimacy, and participatory processes to discuss six perspectives that should be considered while dealing with DSM. We claim DSM should be seen using a Wicked Problem lens, acknowledging the limits of Ignorance Squared, inside a scientific paradigm that is opened to the possibility of a Post-Normal Science. Participation should center on the recognition of Plural Rationalities, ensure Justice and capabilities, and actively include the Global South. We conclude that legitimacy in DSM can be enhanced by following these six perspectives guidelines.