Mining companies often frame deep-sea mining as essential for the green transition. While it is generally known that this is not true (see our article), the ISA still has not managed to agree on a mining code and/or a mining moratorium. In a simulation of a parliament of things, an idea developed by the sociologist and philosopher Bruno Latour where animals and things get an equal voice at the discussion table, we tried to develop a mining code and agreeing on a moratorium discussing with deep sea octopus, the Indonesian rainforest as well as the interests of the Norwegian people and pacific island state Nauru. Our learning: Firstly, knowledge about the topic is key to debate well – even with equal voting rights the mining code and moratorium was dominated by the loudest and most bold members. In the real world that will mostly be the richest and most invested members at the debate. Secondly, the institutional setting is very important – defining which questions are being debated and which options are voted on has an immense power. One more reason to watch closely at what ISA does in terms of managing the common heritage of human kind, especially considering its history of close involvement with mining companies.
