Tonga PM welcomes US deal to explore deep-sea minerals amid environmental concerns

Tonga's newly elected Prime Minister Lord Fakafānua has embraced a partnership with the US to explore deep-sea mineral extraction, calling it an "exciting development" for the Pacific island nation. The deal positions Tonga to potentially access critical minerals—such as rare earths and metals—buried on the ocean floor that are essential for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Environmental advocates in Tonga are concerned that seabed mining could damage marine ecosystems and disrupt fishing communities that depend on ocean resources. The agreement reflects growing geopolitical and economic competition in the South Pacific, where major powers are seeking access to minerals crucial for the global green energy transition. Tonga's decision may influence whether other Pacific island nations pursue similar arrangements with the US or other countries, setting a precedent for resource extraction in the region.