Tongans oppose deep-sea mining, survey shows

The Tonga Civil Society Forum (CSFT) yesterday presented a report to Tongan lawmakers titled “Key Issues and Challenges Facing Deep Sea Mining in the Kingdom of Tonga”.

Deep sea mining (DSM) is when companies extract minerals from the seafloor.

The report, written by US attorney Lori Osmundsen, explains the risks of deep-sea mining for Tonga. The report also reminds lawmakers of Tonga’s 19 laws that apply to deep-sea mining. This means that if Tonga decides to allow deep-sea mining, it will need to abide by its own laws.

Public perceptions of the DSM were also presented. A 2024 community survey revealed that Tongans have a strong connection to the ocean:

• Almost all Tongans (95%) believe that the ocean is very important.
• Most Tongans (over 80%) eat a lot of seafood.

But many Tongans (nearly 70%) are unaware that deep-sea mining is taking place in Tongan waters. Even more (over 80%) are unaware that Tonga is involved in allowing deep-sea mining in the Pacific.

Most importantly, the survey showed that very few Tongans (only 12%) want deep-sea mining to take place in Tongan waters or in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ).

The report and findings come at an important time for Tonga. Lawmakers need to decide whether to allow deep-sea mining. The report suggests they should proceed with caution because it could harm the ocean, something most Tongans do not want.