Overview

China Ocean Mineral Resource R&D Association (COMRA) is an organization undertaking activities of exploration and exploitation in the seabed, ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (“the Area”), in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Agreement).

COMRA came into existence in 1990 and registered as one of seven pioneer investors for the Preparatory Committee for the International Seabed Authority and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in 1991. It signed its first exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with the Authority In 2001 and gained the exclusive right for exploration and preferential right for exploitation in the contract area. Then in 2011 and 2014，COMRA signed exploration contracts for polymetallic sulfides and cobalt-rich Ferromanganese crusts with the Authority.

For a high-quality fulfillment of obligations, COMRA has developed a series of deep sea survey equipments to deliver a more efficient survey. Deep sea survey equipments, represented by HOV “JIAOLONG”, AUV “Qianlong 1” and ROV “Sea Dragon”, do an excellent job in resource and environmental survey.

In addition, COMRA turns in the required data and information to the Authority in a timely manner and provides training opportunities for scientists from developing countries as required in the contract. With a special view on marine environment protection and preservation, COMRA pays much attention to marine environment researches and takes active measures to share the research outcomes with other states.

With the belief of “common heritage”, COMRA will make every effort to facilitate sustainable utilization of resources in the Area for the benefit of mankind as a whole.