Goa, India – 15 September 2025 – The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) held the Eighth Annual Meeting of Exploration Contractors from 18 to 20 September 2025 in Goa, India. The meeting was jointly hosted by the ISA Secretariat and the Government of India through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
The ISA annual contractors’ meeting was first convened in 2017, with subsequent meetings held in Jamaica (2017), Poland (2018), China (2019), a virtual meeting (2021), The Netherlands (2022), the United Republic of Tanzania (2023) and the Republic of Korea (2024).
The 2025 meeting brought together 61 participants from 16 of the 21 ISA exploration contractors. Key topics included an update on decisions of the ISA Council and Assembly on matters related to activities of contractors, compliance and regulatory management, mining technology development, regional environmental management plans and strategies of contractors for transitioning from exploration to exploitation. The meeting also served as an opportunity to dialogue with a representative of the International Cable Protection Committee, Mr. Graham Evans, on submarine cables in contract areas. The discussions also benefited from the continued participation of members of the Legal and Technical Commission, including its Chair, Dr. Erasmo A. Lara Cabrera, and Dr. Ramesh Sethuraman. The meeting also welcomed the interim Director General of the Enterprise, Mr. Eden Charles, who once again engaged actively with contractors.
In welcoming participants, Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director of NIO, highlighted India’s pioneering role in deep-seabed mineral exploration and the importance of deep-sea minerals in the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. He recalled that India collected its first nodule from the Central Indian Ocean Basin on 26 January 1981 and has since surveyed more than 4 million km2 of ocean sea floor. This reflects over four decades of sustained research and exploration. Recognized as a pioneer investor, India continues to advance seabed resource exploration, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development.
In her opening remarks, Madam Secretary-General of ISA, Ms. Leticia Carvalho, highlighted the importance of the annual contractors’ meeting. She recognized and commended the immense investment contractors have made in their activities, acquisition of data and information and contribution to marine scientific research. She noted that the development of the exploitation regulations remains the most urgent and consequential task of ISA Member States and encouraged the contractors to continue engaging constructively in this process. She reminded that, “The possibilities of the deep seabed, the common heritage of humankind, continue to capture our collective imagination. However, this immense potential comes with profound responsibility. Your responsibility is not only to explore and unlock this potential, but to manage it prudently, equitably and for the benefit of all humanity.” She concluded by recognizing the efforts of MoES and NIO for hosting the meeting.
During his opening remarks, the Honourable Dr. Ravichandran, Secretary of the MoES, Government of India, explained that India’s approach to deep-seabed mining is guided by several core principles, including the sustainable utilization of seabed minerals, adherence to marine environmental protection protocols, the conduct of activities within the framework of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and ISA regulations and alignment with India’s blue economy policy. He stressed that the exploitation code should be completed without undue delay. He underscored the importance of sharing the results of environmental studies among countries and advancing technology development. Finally, Dr. Ravichandran reaffirmed India’s commitment to capacity development in the framework of its exploration contracts.
About ISA
ISA is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the UNCLOS to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. ISA is committed to ensuring that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all humankind.
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ISA Communications Unit, news@isa.org.jm
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