Seabed Minerals (Prospecting and Exploration) Regulations 2015.

These Regulations, made by as an Order in Executive Council by the Queen’s Representative under 332 of the Seabed Minerals Act 2009, provides rules for prospecting, exploration or mining of seabed minerals, implements provisions of the Act with respect to wide variety of matters, including; application for prospecting permits and exploration licences. assessment of applications for titles; conduct of seabed minerals activity and statutory conditions on titles; protection of the environment; monitoring, investigations and enforcement. A Title Holder must, in conducting Regulated Activities,— (a) monitor the impact of the Regulated Activities and ensure that they do not cause serious harm to the environment; (b) plan for the environmental management of the Regulated Activities, including relevant mitigation and prevention measures; and (c) collect and analyse environmental data to enable future comprehensive environmental impact assessment and monitoring in relation to any future Mining Licence in the Title Area. In carrying out Regulated Activities, a Title Holder must apply the Precautionary Approach and employ best environmental practice.