Deep seabed mining poses significant environmental risks to ocean ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and the climate. It threatens  the critical role of deep sea ocean systems in storing and recycling carbon and climate regulation; destroys habitats, and endangers countless undiscovered species.These impacts also extend to the cultural and economic practices of indigenous peoples in the Pacific regio, as well as the food security and livelihoods of those dependent on marine resources. Women, in particular, who make up a large portion of the fisheries workforce in coastal communities, are disproportionately affected by the consequences of deep seabed mining practices.

Despite these environmental and social risks, Canada-registered venture capital start-up companies have been persistent and shady first movers in pushing to open the door to high risk experimental seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean. Initially targeting Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Sea, their focus has shifted to mining polymetallic nodules in the deep seabed of the Clarion Clipperton Zone, a vast area beyond national jurisdiction governed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Although the ISA is tasked with regulating mining and protecting marine environments, critics argue that the body has been more focused on advancing mining interests than safeguarding the ocean in the past years. This has led to growing concerns over corporate capture of the regulatory body.

Mining the deep seabed, however, has become highly contentious. As ISA member states grapple with trying to complete negotiations on regulations and rules to govern mining activities in the deep seabed area, a steadily growing number of states are declaring moratorium positions to slow the rush to open up the deep seabed to this new, high risk, experimental extraction industry.

In July 2023 Canada became the 18th ISA member state to declare support for a moratorium on deep seabed mining. Despite its strongly articulated moratorium position, the country itself faces scrutiny due to the actions of Canada-registered companies, particularly The Metals Company Inc., which has been been fronting the profit-driven push to commence mining in the CCZ for several years and advancing disinformation to rationalize deep seabed mining.

This shadow report – presented by DAWN and  Pacific Network on Globalisation ahead of Canada’s review at the 89th Session of Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) – highlights Canada’s extraterritorial obligations under international human rights law, emphasizing the need for accountability in ensuring that companies operating beyond Canada’s borders do not cause environmental harm or violate the rights of affected communities.