Archbishop calls for collaborative and transparent decision-making in deep-sea mining

Archbishop Ryan Jimenez in his capacity as the President of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) issued a statement on Aug. 10, on Deep Sea Mining highlighting the need to protect the ocean, while also explaining what's at stake and the Church's stance.

Jimenez called the ocean "God's gift to us."

Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si' that 'the earth was here before us and has been given to us.' All of creation draws us into the presence of God. It is not ours to exploit according to our own desires, but God's gift entrusted to our care. As we read in Genesis 2:15, humanity is called 'to till and keep" the garden. We are stewards, not owners; custodians, not proprietors. Creation, therefore, cannot simply be reduced to a resource for economic gain," Jimenez said.

Jimenez acknowledged that mining mineral resources has occurred for generations but stressed it has "often" happened "without fully considering the long-term consequences for our common home." He further acknowledged commercial deep-sea mining in the Pacific region "appears increasingly imminent."

"33 million acres in the waters surrounding American Samoa are about to be offered for commercial lease. Recently, the area has increased to 70 million acres near the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument," he said.

He urged that the scientific uncertainties be met with caution noting that deep ocean ecosystems remain a mystery.

"When there exists a genuine possibility of serious or irreversible harm, the absence of complete scientific certainty should never become an excuse for proceeding without due care. Prudence is not an obstacle to progress; it is the virtue that enables authentic progress to serve both humanity and creation," Jimenez said.

Jimenez asserted that the Catholic Church is not against scientific research or "responsible economy growth."

"Rather, she calls us to ensure that technological advancement always respects the dignity of the human person, protects the integrity of creation, and serves the common good," Jimenez said.

He called for collaborative and transparent decision-making.

"We respectfully encourage all who bear responsibility for decisions concerning deep-sea mining to proceed with wisdom, transparency, humility, and genuine concern for the common good," Jimenez said.

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