Fears unregulated mining could imperil Pacific nations

A new report warns that commercial deep-sea mining in the Pacific could commence without proper oversight due to escalating competition between the United States and China for scarce minerals, according to analysis from the Lowy Institute. The ocean floor of the Pacific contains substantial reserves of highly sought-after resources.

This looming rivalry, driven by the demand for batteries, weapons systems, and power grids, is putting Pacific nations in a predicament. While the region's countries face the prospect of economic gains and potential ecological devastation to fisheries, food security, livelihoods, and culture, international governance structures for commercial deep-sea mining are lacking.

Consequently, Pacific states are negotiating without internationally agreed safeguards, rendering them reliant on company-led agreements. Dr. Connor Graham, in his report, highlights that Pacific Island nations are caught in the middle of this geopolitical struggle for critical mineral dominance. The challenge is not a disagreement among Pacific nations but rather their forced individual negotiations against entities with far greater resources, information, and legal capacity.

The international framework designed to safeguard them has also stagnated. While Australia has yet to adopt a definitive stance on deep-sea mining in the Pacific, its standing, relationships, and institutional presence could significantly influence the outcome. With Australia's membership in the Pacific Islands Forum and its longstanding alliance with the US, it holds considerable sway.

However, abstaining from this debate could prove detrimental to Australia. Given Australia's commitment to establishing standards as a prerequisite for mining activities, it cannot afford to remain passive in this crucial discussion.