US builds ties with Tonga on deep-sea mining study

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The United States is targeting Tonga to expand its deep-sea mining area in the region, in a bid to loosen China’s grip on the critical minerals market.

The U.S. State Department today announced Washington's partnership with the tiny Polynesian kingdom to advance marine scientific research for “responsible exploration of seabed mineral resources."

The department said Tonga’s longstanding history of ocean stewardship and the United States’ expertise in oceanic research and technology “uniquely positioned” them to work together “to ensure that the exploration of seabed mineral resources are in line with international law and guided by rigorous science and deep historical knowledge of regional fisheries.”

Washington’s new deal with Tonga came on the heels of the United States’ recent agreement with the Cook Islands establishing critical mineral frameworks that would lay the groundwork to collaborate “on pricing challenges, spur development, create fair markets, close gaps in priority supply chains and expand access to financing.”

The U.S. signed similar agreements with 10 other nations, expanding what it calls "critical mineral diplomacy."

According to a statement from the spokesperson’s office, the Department of Washington has begun discussions with Tonga to conduct research that would guide deep-sea seabed mining and help develop appropriate global regulatory frameworks and standards.

Tonga was one of the first developing states to sponsor a polymetallic nodule exploration contract with The Metals Company, a Canadian developer of undeveloped resources of critical metals essential to energy, defense, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Located east of Fiji and south of Samoa, Tonga comprises over 170 islands spread across 747 sq km.

“This collaboration marks a new chapter in the partnership between our countries since we established diplomatic relations in 1971,” the State Department said.

“Today, we affirm our commitment to marine scientific and technological advancement, mutual prosperity, economic self-reliance and environmental stewardship as we partner to ensure a bountiful Blue Pacific Continent,” it added.

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