Sulphide sample acquired by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate at the Mohn’s Ridge in 2020. Photo: Norwegian Offshore Directorate
We are pleased to announce that one of the leading international conferences on seabed minerals will be held for the sixth time in Bergen, Norway, from 11-13 May 2027 (new dates).
Previous conferences have attracted a diverse international audience, including exploration companies, service providers, academic professionals, policy makers, environmental organisations, regulators, and legal and financial experts. In a rapidly changing industry where networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration are essential, we look forward to another vibrant and well-attended event in 2027.
Globally, knowledge-building and technological advancements are progressing rapidly as the industry transitions from early exploration toward commercial development. We invite companies, institutions, and academia developing new methods, technologies, and knowledge to submit abstracts and showcase their work at the conference.
We welcome contributions within the following topics:
- Environmental understanding, impact, assessment, and monitoring
- Exploration strategies and technologies
- Resource estimations and economic feasibility
- Production technologies and solutions
- Mineral processing
- Digital solutions – AI, data management and data sharing
- Regulations and legal frameworks
The committee encourages sharing of project experiences, examples of knowledge and technology transfer, and value chain perspectives. We welcome contributions from all relevant regions across the globe and encourage postgraduate students to submit their work.
Dive in and join us to share your knowledge at the upcoming conference by sending your abstract to events@geopublishing.no by 15 January 2027.
Abstract content
Word format
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Min. 500 words, max 800 words
Min. one figure
Portrait photo
Template available for download via seabedminerals.net
Global currents
As we look towards 2027, the seabed minerals industry continues to gain momentum amid a rapidly evolving landscape. New companies are entering the sector while established players advance their projects, technologies, and commercial plans. Governments and stakeholders are weighing the potential of commercial mining against calls for a global moratorium, while the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has yet to finalise its exploitation regulations.
In response, some companies are advancing parallel pathways toward exploitation in international waters under US regulation. The United States is also accelerating domestic efforts, with the first federal lease sales planned for offshore American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Alaska in the second half of 2026.
Japan continues to advance its state-led seabed minerals programme after years of exploration and technology development. In early 2026, the country achieved a world first by successfully retrieving rare-earth-rich mud from nearly 6,000 metres near Minami-Torishima Island. Larger-scale trial operations are planned for 2027, while the Nippon Foundation has proposed a polymetallic nodule mining test in the same area.
India and China remain key players. Although India’s offshore mineral block auction was annulled in late 2025, authorities may offer new blocks in the future. India recently signed a new ISA contract for polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean. China holds five ISA contracts across the Pacific and Indian Oceans and, in April 2026, released its first comprehensive seabed geochemical atlas of its eastern waters.
Norway, until recently a frontrunner, has seen its momentum slow following the postponement of the first licensing round. However, some research and development efforts continue, while a few Norwegian companies are exploring opportunities abroad.
These developments highlight key topics we look forward to exploring during the conference, including regulatory divergence, environmental management, exploration strategies, technological advancements, and value chains.
