The Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT) is raising concerns about Tonga’s involvement with Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML), a subsidiary of the Metals Company, which seeks to engage in deep sea mining in Tongan waters.
The CSFT issued a White Paper titled ‘Critical Questions and Challenges of Deep-Sea Mining from the Kingdom of Tonga’. The document highlights the potential long-term environmental degradation versus short-term financial gain from deep sea mining.
Sesimani Lokotui, CSFT’s interim executive director, urged the government to reconsider its involvement with TOML. “We need a thorough and transparent evaluation of all potential consequences—environmental, financial, social, and legal—before embarking on deep sea mining,” Lokotui said.
A recent CFST survey revealed a lack of awareness about deep sea mining among Tongans. The report, ‘All that glitters is not gold’, emphasises that “Tonga’s vibrant culture, pristine ecosystems, and the well-being of its people are at stake.”
Disassociating from TOML, according to the CFST, may have costs but is essential to protect future generations from environmental and societal risks. CSFT wishes to work more with the government to explore alternative development paths for Tonga.
