Key points
- The Council of the International Seabed Authority approved COMRA’s application to extend its polymetallic nodule exploration contract.
- The original 15-year contract was signed on 22 May 2001, and the five-year extension application was received on 19 November 2015.
- The extension takes effect from 22 May 2016 by signature of a new contract.
- The Council invited COMRA to prepare for moving to exploitation at the end of the five-year period.
The Council of the International Seabed Authority,
Acting on the recommendation of the Legal and Technical Commission,
Recalling that on 22 May 2001 a 15-year contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules was signed between the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association and the International Seabed Authority,
Noting that on 19 November 2015 the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority received an application for a five-year extension of that contract,
Recalling section 1, paragraph 9, of the annex to the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982,
Recalling also the decision of the Council of the International Seabed Authority relating to the procedures and criteria for the extension of an approved plan of work for exploration pursuant to section 1, paragraph 9, of the annex to the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982,
Having considered the report and recommendations of the Legal and Technical Commission relating to the application by the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association for extension of the contract,
Noting that paragraph 14 of the report submitted to the Council by the Chair of the Legal and Technical Commission outlines the modifications that the applicant intends to make to the plan of work for exploration in the extension period,
Noting also paragraph 16 of the report of the Chair of the Legal and Technical Commission,
1. Decides to approve the application for extension of the contract;
2. Requests the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority to take the necessary steps to implement the extension of the contract with effect from 22 May 2016, by means of the signature of a contract in the form set out in appendix II to the annex to the above-mentioned decision of the Council of the International Seabed Authority;
3. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council at its next session on the status of the extension agreement, including details of the modifications made to the plan of work for exploration;
4. Invites the applicant to prepare for moving to exploitation at the end of the five-year extension period.
