Abstract: | The fundamental principles governing the exploitation of deep sea mineral resources stipulate that these resources shall be developed as a common heritage for the benefit of mankind as a whole.1 The mineral resources that concern us at present are the metalliferous nodules containing nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese which are found over parts of the ocean floor. Included in the task set for the UNCLOS III was the responsibility to devise a legal and administrative framework which would give practical effect to these principles of exploitation and to enable the mining of the manganese nodules to become a reality. |