Africa must act before deep-sea mining becomes a new battleground

Africa faces a pivotal moment as deep-sea mining emerges as a potential flashpoint in global geopolitics. Three African nations—Malawi, Kenya, and Madagascar—have taken a significant step by supporting a call for a precautionary halt on deep-sea mining (DSM) during the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa in June. This move aligns them with 40 other countries worldwide in advocating for a temporary moratorium on mining activities in international waters, which constitute 64 percent of the Earth's ocean surface. These waters lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single nation and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, hosting diverse marine life, and playing a role in nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration essential to the planet's climate stability. The international seabed area, governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is recognized as the "common heritage of humankind." This designation implies that the seabed should be managed for the benefit of all humanity rather than monopolized by a select few. Despite this legal framework, interest in exploiting the deep ocean for its rich deposits of minerals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, and nickel continues to grow. These metals are vital components in renewable energy technologies and battery production, fueling discussions about the necessity of DSM in the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions. However, recent studies suggest that alternative strategies focusing on recycling and innovative material design might suffice to meet current and future demands without resorting to deep-sea extraction. As the rationale behind DSM evolves, so too does the complexity surrounding it, extending beyond mere environmental and economic considerations to encompass security implications. Concerns have arisen regarding the dual-use nature of DSM technology, where the collection of seabed data could serve both civilian and military purposes, potentially enhancing surveillance capabilities and influencing undersea warfare dynamics. Recent investigations by Mongabay and CNN uncovered troubling patterns involving Chinese state-owned vessels engaged in deep-sea research. These vessels were found to spend minimal time within officially sanctioned exploration zones by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an organization established under UNCLOS to regulate mineral-related activities on the international seabed. Instead, these ships frequently operated in regions deemed strategically sensitive, often with their Automatic Identification System transponders disabled. Such behavior raises questions about the true intent behind these operations, suggesting possible ties to military intelligence gathering, including mapping submarine routes and improving anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The intersection of DSM and military reconnaissance has intensified concerns about the deep sea becoming a contested arena in the broader context of great power competition. In April 2025, the United States issued an executive order aimed at accelerating the unilateral exploitation of the seabed outside the ISA framework, citing the need to counter China's increasing influence over seabed mineral resources for national security reasons. This directive underscores the growing recognition of the seabed as a critical domain in maritime strategy, further complicating the landscape of international cooperation and governance. As tensions rise, Africa finds itself at a crossroads. The continent's coastal regions are already witnessing increased foreign naval presence, with a notable uptick in the establishment of military bases and ports. The potential militarization of the deep sea adds another layer of complexity to existing geopolitical dynamics. With the stakes high, African nations are urged to play an active role in shaping the future of seabed governance, ensuring that the interests of the global community are upheld while safeguarding the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. The path forward requires careful consideration of the multifaceted challenges posed by deep-sea mining, balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship and international collaboration.