DEEP SEA MINERALS - Vol 1 - Sea-Floor Massive Sulphides

resources, whilst maintaining the biological richness and ecological processes necessary to sustain the composition, structure and function of the habitats or ecosystems con- cerned.” Inherent in EAM is the application of ecological, economic, and social information, and the underlying accep- tance that humans are an integral part of many ecosystems. The approach requires integration of information from a wide

range of disciplines, across different levels of ecological and socio-economic organization, and on a range of temporal and spatial scales. A second important concept in the exploitation of any resource is the precautionary approach. One of the primary foundations of the precautionary approach, and globally accepted defi-

approve the development and, if so, under what conditions. The EIS is assessed by the relevant government agencies, and/or reviewed externally. A workshop held by the International Sea- bed Authority in collaboration with SPC and the Fiji Government in Nadi Fiji in 2011 developed a template for an EIS (ISA 2011). 4. Public Hearings: The public hearings process involves a se- ries of meetings that allow the public and local communities a chance to provide comments and raise concerns regarding the EIS and the development proposal.

5. EIS Review: The results of the assessment along with the outcome of the public hearings allow the relevant authorities to make a recommendation on the EIS. 6. Environment Permit: Following the EIS approval and sub- mission and approval of an environment permit application, an environment permit is awarded. Note that a common con- dition of the permit is for an environmental management plan (including monitoring plans) to be approved prior to the com- mencement of operations.

The road from exploration to exploitation

1

2

3

LEVEL

Exploration activities and scienti c research with drilling <2500 cumulative metres

Exploration activities with drilling >2500 cumulative metres

Mining activities

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

PERMITS and REQUIREMENTS

Environmental Impact Assesment

Environmental Impact Assesment

Environmental Impact Assesment

Environmental Impact Statement

Environmental Impact Statement Environmental Permit for Level 2

Environmental Permit for Level 3 Environmental Impact Statement

Environmental Permit

Required Not required

Figure 10. Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Permitting Process Considerations – an example of a permitting process for a proposed SMS project.

THE GEOLOGY OF SEA-FLOOR MASSIVE SULPHIDES 31