Written question asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 September 2024. It was answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 October 2024 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

UK Seabed Resources: Deep Sea Mining

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the expected (1) process, and (2) timeframe, for any future decisions on continued sponsorship of UK Seabed Resources Limited’s two International Seabed Authority exploration contracts.

Original answer: UK Seabed Resources Limited has two International Seabed Authority exploration contracts, UKSR1 and UKSR2. These have an initial period of 15 years with the contract period of UKSR1 ending in 2026 and UKSR2 ending in 2027.
The UK Deep Sea Mining (Exploration Licences) Regulations 1984 states that exploration licences can be extended for successive periods of 5 years. Any decisions on the future of these licences will be made in consultation with the company and other relevant UK Government departments. The Department for Business and Trade will ensure a robust process is in place and that any decisions made are in line with statutory requirements.

It has since been corrected.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL985
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Ministerial correction
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Written statements
House of Lords; Ministerial correction
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Notes: Answer corrected on 16 December 2025 by written statements HLWS1172/HCWS1189.
Subjects: Contracts Exploration International Seabed Authority UK Seabed Resources Deep sea mining
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk