Interesting development regarding mining. c/p
Looks like Mexican Congress getting ready to loosen rules on dumping of tailings related to seabed mining. Interesting timing....
By Sam Williams
BN Americas
11/24/17
Mexico's lower house of congress approved a bill modifying dumping rules for seabed mining.
The bill amends certain articles of the 2014 law on dumping in marine zones, under which these activities are controlled through a permitting system administered by the Mexican navy.
Under the bill, evacuation, storage or treatment of materials produced by seabed mining and exploration activities will not be considered dumping and will not be subject to the permitting process established by the 2014 law.
This exclusion only applies to materials that do not cause environmental damage.
In addition, the bill proposes exclusions for materials produced by marine platforms, construction or equipment, or during normal shipping and aircraft operations.
Cables, pipes and devices used in marine investigations for purposes other than evacuation of material will also not be considered dumping, as long as they are used in accordance with international conventions on marine dumping.
Congressman David Aguilar, of the ruling PRI party, and secretary of the marine committee, said the bill is intended to ensure the exploitation of natural resources does not damage ecosystems.
The draft, which still requires senate approval and ratification, was passed by 257 votes in favor to 38 against, with 47 abstentions.
Seabed and deep sea mining involve extracting minerals from the seafloor. The industry is at an early stage of development and has been met with concern over its potential environmental impacts.
The difference between genius and stupidity is, Genius has its limits.
Albert Einstein
