This research project aims to develop a transdisciplinary approach to Deep Seabed Mining (DSM) - the exploration, and exploitation of minerals found on the ocean floor. This topic is highly relevant as those metals are necessary to build clean energy technologies enabling the transition from fossil fuels, and thus mitigate climate change. However, there are outstanding gaps and uncertainties as to the possible environmental impacts, and how to legally and politically carry out these activities in a just and sustainable way.

This research arrives at a unique historical juncture, as exploitation activities will not commence before 2025, even though 31 exploration licenses are currently being considered worldwide. The Arctic region, with the case of the Norway and Greenland is the latest frontier of prospection for deep seabed mining. The Arctic represents particularly sensitive and vulnerable ecosystems and, indirectly, coastal communities and Indigenous Peoples may be affected by these DSM projects. This project explores possible criteria for justice, equity and fairness that could apply in an effective regulation of DSM with Norway and Greenland as case study. It does so by integrating law, planning, and anthropology to build a transdisciplinary approach that allows the inclusion of DSM into the global energy transition challenge.