Working Conditions Aboard the Coco

On December 5, 2023, Greenpeace activists brought their 11-day protest to an end, which had been centered around the deep-sea mining vessel 'Coco' in the Pacific Ocean. The protest saw activists utilizing canoes and inflatable boats to rally against The Metals Company (TMC)'s plans for deep-sea mining in the region. A group of five climbers even managed to board the vessel and maintained their presence there for five days. The Metals Company, through its subsidiary NORI, aims to submit the first global application for mining manganese nodules from the seafloor in this environmentally sensitive area. In an effort to curb the Greenpeace protest, NORI sought an injunction, which was largely dismissed by a Dutch court. The ruling confirmed that Greenpeace activists could continue to approach the 'Coco' without restriction and rejected NORI's request to limit their proximity to the ship. The hearing took place in a Dutch court, given that Greenpeace International is based in the Netherlands. Over the course of the protest, after five days of occupying kayaks in the vicinity of the mining vessel, activists escalated their efforts by occupying the ship’s crane, where they displayed a prominent banner advocating for a cessation of deep-sea mining operations. These activists had embarked on their mission from the 'Arctic Sunrise,' approximately 1,500 kilometers off the coast of Mexico, showing a significant commitment to their environmental cause. For more detailed coverage and photos of the event, visit Greenpeace's report at [Greenpeace Germany](https://www.greenpeace.de/biodiversitaet/meere/meeresschutz/greenpeace-international-protestiert-elf-tage-tiefseebergbau).

On November 25, 2023, Greenpeace International activists made headlines when they boarded the drilling ship 'Coco,' which is engaged in deep sea mining research in the Pacific Ocean. The activists have pledged to occupy the vessel until the expedition is abandoned, creating a dramatic standoff on the high seas. This confrontation occurs as The Metals Company (TMC), the backer of the research expedition, prepares to submit its application for the first license to conduct deep sea mining in international waters. TMC has indicated that it plans to file this application following a meeting with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in July 2024. The ISA is a UN-affiliated entity responsible for regulating deep-sea mining activities. In a bid to halt operations, Greenpeace activists initially used kayaks to block the ship for nearly 10 hours, preventing it from deploying its equipment into the ocean. However, in response to the escalating protest, TMC's CEO Gerard Barron threatened legal action, claiming the activists violated international law and endangered the safety of the crew. During the confrontation, a canoe was reportedly capsized by the propeller wash when 'Coco' accelerated unexpectedly, according to Greenpeace's account of the event. Legal representatives from TMC's subsidiary, NORI, cited this as evidence of the protest's dangers, although Greenpeace has stated that no legal injunction has been filed yet. Later that day, two activists managed to board the 'Coco' and took a stand on its main crane, intending to remain there until TMC agrees to cease its operations. Louisa Casson, who leads Greenpeace's anti-deep-sea mining campaign, emphasized their commitment to stopping the expedition. Since 2011, The Metals Company has been conducting exploratory research in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, claiming that data from its recent expedition, which investigated seabed recovery after last year’s exploration activities, will support its mining application set for 2025. TMC asserted that if the scientific findings indicate that their mining practices would cause unjustifiable environmental damage, they would be fully prepared to withdraw from the project. To stay updated on this ongoing story, visit the full report with photos here: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2023-11-27/environmental-protesters-board-deep-sea-mining-ship-between-hawaii-and-mexico.