ABC’s Four Corners highlights legal and financial risks as government stays silent on sponsorship deal.
The global debate over deep-sea mining has returned to the spotlight, with Tonga singled out in an Australian Broadcasting Corporation Four Corners investigation during the International Seabed Authority (ISA) assembly in Jamaica. The programme raised concerns about the risks Pacific nations face as sponsoring states for mining ventures in international waters.
Marine scientists warned of damage that could stretch across ocean ecosystems. “We know that species are connected over thousands of kilometres, and the question is if we destroy these large areas in between,this connectivity is then disrupted,” one researcher explained.
Dr Patricia Esquete, an oceanographer from the University of Aveiro in Portugal, added, “There is a concern that all the toxicity from the plumes, if they are not well managed, will affect those fisheries,” including tuna stocks vital to Pacific livelihoods.
The financial benefits to sponsoring countries appear limited. Environmental lawyers investigating Tonga’s agreement with The Metals Company concluded that returns would be less than existing fisheries revenue. Duncan Currie of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition said, “Being paid is not even approaching one percent of the metals that will be brought up. So, fractions of a percent is what you’re talking about. Tonga is being used, oh no doubt Tonga is being used.”
Legal experts highlighted further risks. Dr Aline Jaeckel of the University of Wollongong observed, “To be perfectly honest, I’ve often wondered why any state would want to be a sponsoring state because there are significant financial and legal risks associated with it, and the benefits are rather unclear.” ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho warned that vulnerable states could find themselves unable to meet obligations. “These countries should be very careful, absolutely,” she said.
According to Four Corners, Tonga’s sponsorship agreement allows company interests to override national laws, placing liability on the state if damage occurs. Despite months of requests, Tonga’s Prime Minister did not comment on camera, leaving questions unanswered about whether the government fully appreciates the implications of its commitments.
Tonga, together with Nauru, remains one of only two Pacific nations sponsoring The Metals Company. With environmental, financial and legal concerns mounting, the scrutiny on both countries shows no sign of easing.
Tevita Ita
Enviromental correspondent
