Tonga has recently signed a revised sponsorship agreement with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML), a subsidiary of The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian deep-sea mining organization, to explore the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) area between Hawai’i and Mexico. This move, despite heavy criticism from NGOs and local communities, has raised questions about the legal and environmental implications for Tonga, a key sponsoring state for TMC.
The agreement, which builds on an existing relationship established five years ago, allows TOML to conduct research activities in the CCZ, albeit with no mining activities taking place in Tongan waters directly. The Minister of Lands and Survey, Dr ‘Uhilameilangi Fasi, emphasized the importance of understanding the agreement correctly, noting the distinction between Tongan waters and CCZ environmental considerations.
However, concerns persist. Marine scientist Tu’amelie Fusimalohi warns of potential financial and legal liabilities that could arise if the mining activities cause environmental harm. Citing past negative experiences such as Papua New Guinea’s failed Solwara 1 project, Fusimalohi highlights the importance of securing performance bonds, clear monitoring plans, and equitable revenue-sharing agreements to safeguard Tonga’s interests.
Moreover, there’s an observation that while the direct ecological risks to Tonga are minimal due to the country’s geographic distance from the CCZ, shared ocean resources like migratory tuna species could potentially be affected by mining activities.
TMC specializes in extracting polymetallic nodules rich in minerals needed for renewable energy technologies. These nodules are widespread in the CCZ. Though no nation can claim sovereignty over the region, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) stipulates that countries, such as Tonga, can hold exploration contracts within this zone.
As the agreement is scrutinized for its lack of transparency and public consultation, the international discourse on deep-sea mining grows increasingly important. Many Pacific nations grapple with balancing economic opportunities offered by the mining with necessary ecological protections. Advocacy for sustainable resource management continues to gain momentum, suggesting that regional cooperation may eventually lead to a more environmentally cautious approach.
This issue echoes broader environmental and economic challenges faced by Pacific nations in managing oceanic resources crucial for marine biodiversity and their potential economic exploitation. It underscores the necessity for an inclusive dialogue that takes into account not just economic growth but also the preservation of marine ecosystems. Such balanced strategies can ultimately guide Tonga and its neighbors towards both prosperity and sustainability, ensuring future generations inherit a healthy environment.