"Seabed Mining Leader Vows To Investigate Predecessor"

"Leticia Reis de Carvalho will soon take over an international agency overseeing deep-sea mining for electric vehicle battery metals."

"One of Leticia Reis de Carvalho’s top priorities when she steps up in four months to lead an international agency overseeing deep-sea mining for electric vehicle battery metals: investigating her predecessor.

The Brazilian oceanographer was elected in a 79-34 vote earlier this month to serve as the first woman and scientist to lead the International Seabed Authority, marking the end of a tumultuous eight-year run for Michael Lodge, a British lawyer who’s faced a barrage of accusations, including mismanagement and being too close to industry.

Carvalho on Monday told POLITICO’s E&E News that she not only supports an investigation into Lodge’s handling of the United Nations-affiliated agency — she plans to work with ISA council members to spearhead it.

“If I am to be neutral and professional, I need to get to know if there [was] corruption … in the relationship of the secretary-general with contractors,” said Carvalho. “I’m committed to act on both sides, on administration and corruption, including allegations related to contracts.”"

Hannah Northey reports for E&E News August 27, 2024.

Source: E&E News, 08/30/2024