On 8 February 2013, the International Seabed Authority received an application for approval of a plan of work for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Area from UK Seabed Resources Ltd., a private company. The application is sponsored by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The application covers an area of 149,815 square kilometres and is located in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Central Pacific Ocean. In accordance with the applicable regulations, the area has been divided by the applicant into two areas of equal estimated commercial value.
In accordance with the Authority’s Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules in the Area, the members of the Legal and Technical Commission will be notified of the above applications and consideration of the application will be placed on the agenda of the Commission at its next meeting, which is scheduled to commence on 8 July 2013.
[mappress] Press Release, March 11, 2013; Image: ISA