InterOceanMetal Joint Organization: Achievements and Challenges

摘要

Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM), established in 1987, is nn intergovernmental body created to carry out exploration and exploitation of polymetallic nodules in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone. IOM, certified by the governments of Bulgaria, Cuba, Czech Republic, Poland, Russian Federation, and Slovak Republic, received its Certificate of Registration in 1992; in 1995, IOM was granted the Certificate of Compliance. The paper presents the history of IOM, summarises its achievements, and outlines challenges the Organization is facing in view of obligations required of pioneer investors by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.