Greenpeace Takes Legal Action Against UK Over Mining Licenses

Greenpeace has initiated legal proceedings against the UK government, citing a lack of transparency regarding the first deep sea mining exploration licenses. Louisa Casson, from Greenpeace’s Protect the Oceans campaign, criticized the government for withholding these licenses from public scrutiny for a decade and now failing to provide basic information about them. Casson questioned the government's motives, asking, “What do they have to hide?” Recent analyses by Greenpeace UK and the Blue Marine Foundation have raised concerns about the legality of the licenses granted to UK Seabed Resources LTD, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. Greenpeace's legal team highlighted that the licenses were issued for 15 years, exceeding the maximum initial period of 10 years permitted by UK law. Additionally, the licenses imply that the UK government will support UKSRL's seabed exploitation, contradicting previous statements that no support would be given until sufficient evidence of environmental impact was available. Greenpeace has formally requested information regarding the licenses, including their effective date, duration, legal basis, and any environmental assessments conducted prior to their issuance. However, the government has not disclosed this information or provided an explanation for the delay. Greenpeace is urging the Information Commissioner to enforce compliance with the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. In response, a UK government spokesperson emphasized the country’s commitment to maintaining strong environmental standards in the deep sea mining sector, asserting that no exploitation licenses will be issued until adequate scientific evidence and environmental protections are established.