Enhancing stakeholder interactions during the MiningImpact workshop

On 19 June 2024, the MiningImpact-3 (MI-3) project hosted a productive hybrid workshop in Utrecht, the Netherlands, attended by 26 on-site and 34 online participants. This event brought together social and marine scientists, industry representatives, NGOs, authorities, and artists to adapt and improve the MI-3 project proposal, identify gaps, and enhance stakeholder interactions. The workshop was funded by the Sustainable Ocean Community and Pathways to Sustainability.

MiningImpact, an international research project since 2015, investigates the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. The third phase of the project aims to close knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for regulatory frameworks concerning polymetallic nodules and seafloor massive sulphides. The workshop also sought to enhance transparency and address societal concerns about deep-sea mining.

The Workshop consisted of dividing stakeholders into small discussion groups and asking them to give input in round table discussion and feed back sessions on ranking environmental risks and impacts for polymetallic nodules Mining and seafloor massive sulphide mining; stakeholder interactions and outreach; and governance issues. Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds provided a holistic view, ensuring well-rounded and critical discussions and actionable recommendations that will certainly improve the MI-3 project proposal.

From this input the MI-3 workshop will be able to refine and improve its project proposal, enhancing understanding of deep-sea mining impacts, and reinforced the importance of stakeholder engagements and the means with how stakeholders want to engage with the project.