Six Canadian NGOs and charities launch a parliamentary petition calling on the Canadian government to support a moratorium on deep seabed mining in international waters

Canadians call on the Government of Canada to join global citizens, scientists, governments, corporations, and financial institutions in supporting a moratorium or ban on deep seabed mining.

Join MiningWatch Canada, Oceans North and other organizations in calling for a moratorium on deep seabed mining in international waters. Sign the parliamentary petition we have co-sponsored. Canadian mining companies are on the forefront of efforts to extend mining and its harmful impacts into the world’s oceans. The Canadian government has been missing in action in international negotiations about the rules for mining of the seabed in parts of the ocean known as the Common Heritage of Humankind. All of humanity will suffer the impacts of further degradation of the ocean’s ability to sustain life on Earth, but the most immediate impacts on food security will be felt by many of the world’s most vulnerable island and coastal communities.

According to the OECD’s latest review (see chart), Canada ranks worst of all G7 countries in mineral efficiency, recycling and circular economy. It remains amongst the most material-intensive economies in the world. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates Canada’s domestic yearly material consumption at 28.8 tonnes per capita, higher than the United States (18.6 tonnes), twice the world and European averages (12.3 and 14 tonnes, respectively), and 14 times the average material footprint of low-income countries (2 tonnes).

MiningWatch Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodrigue Turgeon as Canada Program Co-Lead, starting today.

Rodrigue is a lawyer and an engaged citizen with an impressive track record of environmental advocacy and solidarity with Indigenous peoples that will greatly contribute to the mission of MiningWatch.

Originally from Abitibi-Témiscamingue, one of Canada’s most well-known mining regions, Rodrigue understands firsthand the many social and environmental impacts of the mining industry.

MiningWatch is pleased to welcome Alexandra Kazakova as Interim Fundraising and Operations Coordinator, replacing Diana Martin while she is on maternity leave. Alexandra will oversee and lead all aspects of the fundraising portfolio and plans, as well as institutional operations.

A good news update on December 22, 2021: After a massive public outcry, the province of Chubut has repealed last week's 14-11 vote to allow for open-pit mining in certain areas of the province. We celebrate this impressive display of people power, while lifting up the many voices of those who have already said a clear 'NO' to mining in the province. Stay tuned for further updates.

A good news update on December 22, 2021: After a massive public outcry, the province of Chubut has repealed last week's 14-11 vote to allow for open-pit mining in certain areas of the province. We celebrate this impressive display of people power, while lifting up the many voices of those who have already said a clear 'NO' to mining in the province. While we continue to denounce the use of excessive force against peaceful protestors, we celebrate this moment together with our partners in Argentina as a win for the movement to protect land and life from mining without consent. Stay tuned for further updates.

On December 15, the Chubut provincial legislature, in a surprise session and ignoring citizen demands, voted to allow open-pit mining to take place in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Pushed through amidst concerns about corruption and Canadian mining lobbying, the legislature voted 14 to 11 in favour of a mine zoning bill (bill 128/20) that allows open-pit mining in the plateau of the province, in the departments of Telsen and Gastre. Communities immediately marched peacefully and have since faced police repression, including multiple arrests and the firing of rubber bullets.

Written by Caleb Fotheringham

Odyssey’s research vessel used for mineral exploration work in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Zealand. SUPPLIED/21122027