Six African Nations Pause Deep-Sea Mining for Ocean Health

Half a dozen African nations are choosing ocean protection over mining profits, joining a global movement to pause deep-sea mining until science catches up.

Mauritius, Mozambique, and the Republic of the Congo announced their support for a mining moratorium in July at the International Seabed Authority meeting in Jamaica. They joined Malawi, Kenya, and Madagascar, bringing the African total to six countries standing firm for ocean health.

The ocean floor contains small rocks called polymetallic nodules, packed with valuable minerals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Companies want to mine these for renewable energy technologies, but scientists warn we don't yet understand the full environmental cost.

Mauritius officials made their position clear during the meeting. "The sustainable development of Mauritius is inextricably dependent on a healthy and resilient ocean," their statement read. They insisted any decisions must rely on the best available science and the precautionary principle.

Malawi became the first African country to take this stand in May 2026, and their reasoning hits close to home. Joel Matonga, a senior legal officer at Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed to the devastating Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which killed people and displaced entire communities.

"We have had an increase in cyclones originating from the Madagascan area," Matonga explained. Developing nations like Malawi are bearing the brunt of warming oceans and climate change, making ocean health a matter of survival, not just environmental policy.

The Ripple Effect

The six African nations now stand among 46 countries worldwide supporting a moratorium on deep-seabed mining. David Willima from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition says Africa's voice carries weight, with 10 seats on the 36-member ISA Council where mining rules get written.

Kenya, a pro-moratorium nation, just earned its first seat on that influential council. This means countries prioritizing ocean protection now have a stronger voice in shaping environmental safeguards and benefit-sharing agreements.

The coalition's basis is simple but powerful: not enough science exists to justify the risk, and too many governance gaps remain. Each country brings its own context, but all share the same conclusion that protecting ocean ecosystems matters more than rushing to extract minerals.

These nations are proving that patience and precaution can win over quick profits when our planet's future hangs in the balance.