The Deep Seabed Mining Act 2015, comprising 25 sections, aims to: (i) regulate the exploration for and exploitation of resources in the Area - defined as the seabed, ocean floor and subsoil beyond the limits of national jurisdiction - by persons sponsored by Singapore, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the Convention; (ii) ensure the effective protection of the marine environment against the harmful effects of such activities; (iii) fulfil Singapore’s obligations under the Convention and the Agreement in this regard. Under Sections 4 and 5, Singapore nationals are generally prohibited from exploring for or exploiting resources in the Area, except where specified conditions are met. Contraventions may result in fines or imprisonment. A Singapore company may undertake such activities if it holds a valid licence covering the relevant resource and area and has a corresponding valid contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Similarly, a Singapore citizen may engage in such activities as an employee or agent of a qualifying Singapore company or a person sponsored by another State under a valid ISA contract, provided the activities fall within the scope of the relevant licence or contract. The Act also establishes the licensing framework, under which the Minister may grant licences specifying the type of resource and the area in which exploration or exploitation is authorised. It further sets out the eligibility requirements for licences, the conditions governing licensees’ activities, the Minister’s supervisory powers, the circumstances in which licences may lapse, be suspended or revoked, and measures to ensure the orderly cessation of activities and the protection of the marine environment.
Singapore · 2015-04-01