A legal expert and environmental advocate recently commented on Tonga’s public dialogue held last Friday, which prominently addressed the urgent issues surrounding deep-sea mining. Lori Osmundsen, one of the panellists at the parliamentary talanoa, noted the significant turnout of government officials, mining representatives, and local citizens, describing the event as an exemplary model of Tongan engagement.
Osmundsen highlighted the respectful and informative nature of the presentations, alongside the ample time given for audience questions. She praised the Tongan Government, particularly Speaker Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, for organizing such a constructive event where the public showed considerable curiosity about deep-sea mining and Tonga’s involvement in it.
Despite the positive discourse, concerns lingered regarding the long-term risks associated with the government’s contract with Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML), a subsidiary of the U.S.-based Metals Company (TMC). Signed by former Prime Minister Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa in 2021, this contract, which runs until 2057, includes clauses that limit Tonga’s legislative power over future mining efforts and poses challenges for any governmental decisions to reverse course.
Osmundsen voiced her concern over certain undisclosed provisions within the contract that could have far-reaching implications for both international and local laws, including Tonga’s own Seabed Minerals Act. She pointed out that the rationale used to justify deep-sea mining for green energy materials has weakened due to shifts in battery manufacturing away from traditional minerals like nickel and cobalt.
With the International Seabed Authority (ISA) slated to convene in Jamaica for a two-week session soon, Osmundsen believes there is still potential for Tonga to reassess its partnerships in deep-sea mining. She suggested that the country could explore more favorable collaborations and possibly opt for a moratorium on mining, aligning with calls from multiple Pacific Island nations advocating for environmental sustainability.
The dialogue surrounding the topic is reflective of broader regional discussions from a recent high-level Talanoa in Fiji. Representations from 18 Pacific nations debated the intricacies of balancing economic prospects from deep-sea mining against significant environmental risks, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among Pacific nations. The growing advocacy for a moratorium signals a hopeful direction toward more sustainable practices in the region.
As communities engage in these discussions and advocate for eco-friendly policies, there is optimism that political will can convert into actionable strategies that safeguard marine ecosystems, ensuring environmental health aligns with potential economic benefits. Such collective efforts can empower local communities and preserve the rich cultural heritage integral to Pacific identities.
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