More than a dozen NGOs call for total ban on deep seabed mining as Pacific leaders meet in Fiji

An image of a Cook Islands nodule field, taken within the country's EEZ. Photo: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority

More than a dozen civil society groups are calling on Pacific governments to completely ban deep seabed mining (DSM) as regional leaders meet in Suva for a high-level meeting on deep-sea minerals on Friday.

Seabed mining is one of the most divisive regional issues, with Pacific Islands Forum member nations, such as the Cook Islands and Nauru, strongly in favour of it, while others, such as Fiji, Smaoa, the Marshall Islands and Palau, advocate against it.

The Pacific Blue Line collective, made up of women, youth, faith-based, and environmental organisations, is demanding "for an outright ban on deep sea mining", saying the Pacific leaders have a "longstanding responsibility to protect the Pacific Ocean".

"As the Pacific Islands leaders meet for the High-Level Talanoa on deep sea minerals this week, it is vital that the duty of care to safeguard our oceans is at the forefront of discussions," the group said in a paid advertisement in Thursday's edition of Fiji's daily national newspapers.

"The group calls for a complete ban on DSM in the Pacific until thorough, independent scientific evaluations and inclusive consultations with impacted communities are carried out."

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The collective believes that this stance reflects a shared dedication to protecting the rights of Pacific peoples, preserving the oceans, and ensuring developments related to DSM "adhere to the principles of sustainability, human rights, and fairness for future generations".

The Pacific Blue Line collective says evidence points to the fact that mining the ocean floor poses significant environmental risks to the marine environment that are yet to be fully understood.

The decisions made by Pacific leaders this week will have profound and lasting consequences, the groups said.

"We must act with urgency to halt DSM before it begins."

International Seabed Authority flag Photo: flickr / ISBA HQ

Tonga's Minister of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, Dr 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi, who chaired the technical meeting in Suva, said the gathering "is a crucial step in our collective efforts to manage deep-sea minerals responsibly."

He said the region is aware of the merits and pitfalls of deep seabed mining.

"Some see it as a potential driver of economic growth, while others emphasise the need for strong environmental and governance safeguards," he said.

"This diversity of perspectives is why this Technical Meeting is so important - it provides us with the space to openly discuss these critical issues before presenting them to our leaders."

The high-level leaders' talanoa will be held on Friday.