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<p>The UK's policy is not to sponsor or support the issuing of any exploitation licences
for deep sea mining projects unless and until there is sufficient scientific evidence
about the potential impact on deep sea ecosystems, and strong enforceable environmental
Regulations, Standards and Guidelines have been developed by the International Seabed
Authority (ISA) and are in place. The UK's approach is both precautionary and conditional.</p><p>The
Government commissioned an independent review from the British Geological Survey,
the National Oceanography Centre, and Heriot-Watt University. The terms of reference
included a review of minerals contained in seafloor deposits and how this compares
to terrestrial resources, with discussion on future resource potential and knowledge
gaps. The review was published in October 2022 and is available here: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/deep-sea-mining-evidence-review-published/</p>
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