The government has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) together with The Metals Company (TMC) this week, 4 August, in New York.
The agreement updates the terms signed between the parties in 2021.
The Minister for Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources, Hon. Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi expressed Tonga's suppport, "We welcome TOML’s willingness to strengthen its commitments through this agreement. It marks an important step toward ensuring that seabed minerals activities contribute meaningfully to Tonga’s long-term development goals — with transparency, fairness, and environmental care at the core.”
As one of the first developing states to sponsor a polymetallic nodule exploration contract, will continue to receive significant benefits from this agreement, which includes financial benefits, training and capacity-building programs, and in-country community and social programs, The Metals Company stated.
Meanwhile, Chairman and CEO of TMC, Gerard Barron said, “For over a decade, it has been our privilege to work alongside the Government and people of the Kingdom of Tonga—one of the earliest and most committed supporters of this new industry. Tonga’s leadership has been instrumental in advocating for the responsible development of deep-sea minerals."
"We will always be guided by science, driven by shared values, and grounded in a deep respect for, and vision to protect, the ocean. The journey ahead holds immense potential, and we look forward to walking it hand in hand with Tonga," he added.
The signing event was also attended by Deputy Secretary Foreign Policy, Leonaitasi Kuluni, CEO for Lands and Survey, Taaniela Kula, and Permanent Representative of Tonga to the UN, HE Va'inga Tōnē.
The Metals Company through its subsidiaries holds exploration rights to two polymetallic nodule contract areas in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean sponsored by the governments of the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga.
