Tongan civil society groups express concern about deep sea mining

CSFT urges the Tongan government to seriously reconsider its partnership with TOML.
photo: William

Pacific civil society has expressed concerns about Tonga’s involvement in the Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML).

The company is a subsidiary of a metals company with interests in deep sea mining in Tongan waters.

The Tonga Civil Society Forum (CSFT) has released an information paper outlining the short-term economic benefits of deep-sea mining and the real risks of long-term environmental degradation.

Last week, the CSFT released a white paper titled “Key Issues and Challenges for Deep Sea Mining in the Kingdom of Tonga.”

Interim Executive Director Sesimani Lokotui urged the Tongan government to seriously reconsider its partnership with TOML.

He wants the government to conduct a thorough, transparent assessment of all potential consequences — environmental, financial, social and legal — before embarking on deep-sea mining.

A recent public survey conducted by CFST revealed a significant lack of awareness of deep-sea mining activities in Tonga and international waters.

According to the report, All That Glitters Is Not Gold, Tonga’s rich culture, pristine ecosystems and the well-being of its people are at risk.

“Tonga’s vibrant culture, pristine ecosystems, and the well-being of its people are under threat,” the report states.

“The potential losses to current and future generations far outweigh the speculative income from DSM, which also comes with huge environmental and social risks.

“There may be some costs associated with cancelling the existing contract with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd, but these costs are minimal compared to what Tonga may have to pay to proceed with deep sea mining.”

The organization hopes to work with the government to find a different development path for Tonga.