A Deep Sea Mining Assessment commissioned by the Civil Society Forum of Tonga draws attention to the environmental risks and liabilities of deep sea mining.

“If Tonga consents to deep sea mining, it is important for the people and the government to know what are the risks and liabilities involved,” said US lawyer, Lori Osmundsen, who authored the report.

The report was launched in Nuku'alofa on the margins of the Fifth P-SIDS Regional Training and Capacity Development workshop 20-22 June 2023, held at the Tanoa International Hotel. It reviewed legislations and environmental impact assessments (EIAs) done by the Nauru Government on technology used by the deep sea mining company, NORI.

Over 30 representatives from communities, secondary and tertiary schools, non-governmental organizations and faith-based organizations attended the launch.

The report is titled, “Tonga and Deep Sea Mining: An Evaluation of Legal Frameworks, Obligations, Liability Risks, and Measures for Strengthening the Kingdom’s Capacities with Regard to Environmental Impact Assessment”.

Osmundsen urged Tonga to learn from Nauru’s experience on the technology they utilised, in order to understand how DSM might impact Tonga.

“The lessons learnt from Nauru’s experience were, that there were a lot of problems with the process in the conducting of the EIA. The EIA was conducted by the government of Nauru and NORI, and not by an independent body.”

She said there was lack of transparency, very little opportunities for people to join and hear about what would be done, and insufficient information in the report from the deep sea mining company with regards to the impact on the deep sea ecosystem.

"Those problems can be expected to happen in Tonga”, Osmundsen said via video during the launch. She said Tonga will be responsible for any damage and any liability caused by the contractor.

There is only one deep sea mining contractor in Tonga which is Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML).

CSFT board chairman Drew Havea said, the report will be an importance reference. It outlines options and recommendations to help improve Tongan laws to safeguard the environment and people in light of DSM operations.

“CSFT is particularly happy that the report outlines ways in which the process of conducting EIAs can be improved if DSM commences in Tonga,“ Havea said.