On June 8, 2023, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of five candidates for training opportunities provided by the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM) in accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with ISA.

The selected trainees are:

• Madiha H Moustafa from Egypt
• Brian L. Lynch from Jamaica
• Shahrin Azmee from Bangladesh
• Brian L. Lynch from Jamaica
• Shahrin Azmee from Bangladesh
• Mereseini A. Radidi from Fiji
• Richard O. Anginya from Kenya

The training is being organized by IOM, Szczecin, Poland in cooperation with Natural Sciences Education and Research Centre, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.

Candidates will receive a comprehensive six (6) weeks multidisciplinary training in the topic of polymetallic nodules project management (including legal framework, exploration activities, environmental research, economic cycle, and metallurgical processing).

The training program is divided into two parts:

Part I: Introduction to marine mineral exploration and exploitation in the Area with focus on polymetallic nodules

This part will focus on the legal, environmental, and technological aspects of marine minerals exploration and exploitation under UNCLOS and other relevant documents constituting the regulatory framework of all activities in the Area.

Participants will take part in lectures, seminars, and hands-on exercises (including case studies and laboratory work with microscopes).

This knowledge and skills developed in this part will be the basis for Part 2.

Part 2: Laboratory work and scientific techniques for polymetallic nodules analysis and metallurgical processing

This part will focus on technological aspects of marine minerals exploration and exploitation.

Participants will take part in all stages of laboratory works, including analysis and interpretation of results.

The skills targeted for development in this part of the training will be tailored according to the participants’ professional capacity (which is dependent on their background) and laboratory capacity.