UN debates ban or regulation of deep sea mining amid environmental concerns

The International Seabed Authority will vote on whether to allow deep sea mining, which some countries and organizations support imposing a moratorium on due to environmental impacts.
Countries have not reached an agreement on regulations for deep sea mining, as a two-year ban just expired and environmentalists call for an extended moratorium.
The debate focuses on balancing the demand for precious metals needed for green technology with protecting ocean ecosystems that are important for combating climate change.
More than a dozen countries support a moratorium on deep sea mining in international waters until there is a regulatory framework and better understanding of environmental damage.
The International Seabed Authority missed a deadline to approve rules for deep sea mining and is under pressure to make a decision, but members are divided on the best path forward.