The Role of International Seabed Authority with Respect to the Administration of Mineral Resources

Abstract

Deep ocean floor called as Area is considered as Common Heritage of Mankind (CHM) and the mining activities are managed by International Seabed Authority (ISA). In this article, firstly, the significance of the CHM concept with respect to decolonised states and its impact on law of the sea is elaborated. Secondly, the mandate of ISA which assumed responsibility for the translation of the CHM concept into practice is examined. Every state can take part in mining activities in the Area as a ‘sponsor state’ but the lack of precision with respect to responsibility limits have a deterrent effect over the states that are disadvantaged technically and financially. Considering the negative impact of this issue over the CHM concept the Advisory Opinion of the International Tribunal for Law of the Sea that was given in 2011 is examined.

Keywords

Common Heritage of Mankind, Mining, International Seabed Authority, Area, United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea

Citation

Şule Anlar Güneş, "The Role of International Seabed Authority with Respect to the Administration of Mineral Resources", International Relations, Volume 17, Issue 65, 2020, pp. 101-124, DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.655161

Affiliations

• Şule ANLAR GÜNEŞ, Assoc. Prof. Dr., METU, Department of International Relations