Handel i gospodarka · 29.02.2012

Deep Seabed Mining: Request for Extension of Exploration Licenses

Pursuant to the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA; 30 U.S.C. 1401-1473), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has received an application for five-year extensions of Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses USA-1 and USA-4 that are held by the Lockheed Martin Corporation. As part of the application, NOAA also has received an amended exploration plan submitted by Lockheed, which sets forth the exploration activities to be conducted during the extended period of the license. The USA-1 and USA-4 deep seabed mining licenses were previously issued to Ocean Minerals Company (OMCO), a partnership that included Lockheed. Upon the dissolution of OMCO, all interests in both licenses were conveyed to Lockheed. Section 107(a) of DSHMRA provides that the initial term of an exploration license shall be for ten years. 30 U.S.C. 1417. This section further provides that if the licensee has substantially complied with the license and exploration plan and has requested an extension of the license, NOAA shall extend the license, for periods of not more than five years each, on terms, conditions and restrictions consistent with DSHMRA and its supporting regulations. Th