Portugal has taken a major step toward banning deep-sea mining, positioning itself as the first European nation to legally prohibit the practice. On Friday, Portuguese lawmakers approved a series of legislative proposals from both ruling and opposition parties in a first reading, advocating for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until 2050.
The proposed legislation, which still requires a full parliamentary vote, seeks to prevent seabed mineral extraction until scientific research fully assesses its environmental impact. “Portugal would be the first European country to legally ban this activity until more research is available,” said Catarina Abril, an environmental activist from Sciaena, speaking to AFP. The move aligns with the global push to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems amid increasing concerns over the impact of seabed mining.
Portugal’s Azores archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is believed to contain rich deposits of manganese, cobalt, and nickel, essential minerals for battery production and the clean energy transition. However, environmental groups and scientists warn that deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage to marine biodiversity. The decision also reflects growing international resistance to the practice, with around 30 member states of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) advocating for a global moratorium. Portugal’s move follows Norway’s suspension of deep-sea mining plans in December after backlash from environmental groups and international bodies.
