The UNCLOS has not only authorized coastal states the exclusive sovereign rights to explore seabed resources within the limits of their national jurisdiction but also granted all countries equal rights to explore seabed resources in international seabed areas.

International seabed areas are endowed with abundant mineral resources. In the 1970s, during the drafting of the UNCLOS, the international community showed great optimism in polymetallic nodule exploration in international seabed areas. Most of the first contracts the ISA signed concerned polymetallic nodule exploration and development, including contracts with Russia, China, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea and India.

The commercial development of polymetallic nodules, however, has been delayed. Instead, polymetallic sulphides have drawn more attention from the international community. Polymetallic sulphides, mainly distributed in special geographic environments in mid-oceanic ridge areas, are rich in metals such as copper, lead, zinc, gold and silver. Polymetallic sulphide exploration is therefore potentially lucrative. Research on these minerals also helps us learn more about oceans and better protect the marine environment.

Apart from signing a polymetallic sulphide exploration contract with the COMRA, the ISA has also approved an application by a Russian enterprise for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides.

Obligations

As one of the signatory parties to the UNCLOS, China enjoys the right to explore international seabed resources. The COMRA is the organization through which China participates in international seabed exploration.

Since its establishment in 1990, the COMRA has taken an active part in exploring resources in international seabed areas. In a contract signing ceremony in November 2011, ISA Secretary General Nii Allotey Odunton said with unremitting efforts over the years, the COMRA has made great contributions to the exploration of international seabed area resources and the protection of biological diversity in international oceans.

All contractors involved in the exploration and development of polymetallic sulphides and polymetallic nodules have corresponding obligations. First, they should invest substantially in surveying resources in their contract areas and file reports of the exploration activities to the ISA annually. Second, they should waive certain exploration areas and put them under the ISA's management. The ISA will explore and develop these areas for the benefit of all humanity. After fulfilling their obligations, contractors can obtain the exclusive right of resource exploration in the remaining parts of their contract areas and reap commercial benefits from them.

In March 1999, the COMRA fulfilled its obligations in its first contract with the ISA by relinquishing half of its contract area to the ISA. In accordance with its second contract signed in November 2011, it will transfer 75 percent of its contract area to the ISA in the next 15 years.

All the COMRA's resource exploration and surveying activities in international seabed areas are based on its contracts with the ISA and comply with the rules of the UNCLOS. As it engages in these activities, the COMRA has not only obtained rights of international seabed resource exploration for China, but also contributed to mankind's efforts to develop marine resources.

Zhang Haiwen is deputy head of the China Institute for Marine Affairs; Zhang Dan is an assistant research fellow with the institute

Email us at: yanwei@bjreview.com