NZ-US minerals talks spark seabed mining concerns

News that the New Zealand Government is in discussions with the United States over critical minerals cooperation has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who warn of growing pressure to open the Pacific to seabed mining.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that New Zealand is one of more than 40 countries in discussions with the US about critical minerals supply.

But he stressed that no decisions have been made and described some reporting about the talks as “speculative and hypothetical”.

Officials have characterised the discussions as exploratory rather than a binding agreement.

Greenpeace Aotearoa says even exploratory talks raise serious concerns for Pacific communities and marine ecosystems.

Russel Norman, Executive Director of Greenpeace Aotearoa, warned New Zealand must not be drawn into a deal that could accelerate environmental damage at home or in the wider region.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says discussions with the United States on critical minerals are exploratory and that no decisions have been made. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“The Trump administration is showing absolute disregard for everything other than their own agenda and greed," he said in a statement. "Pacific Peoples and over 40 nations have rejected the idea of mining the ocean, but here’s the US issuing ultimatums, trying to force the start of this industry.

"Clearly, the will of Indigenous Peoples and Pacific nations does not matter in the Trump administration’s resource and power grab.”

A joint statement from senior NZ and US officials said both sides had committed to exploring “further opportunities to expand co‑operation on critical minerals… to ensure economic resilience and mutual prosperity".

The South Taranaki Bight, where a proposed seabed mining project was recently declined in a draft decision under the Government’s fast-track approvals regime. Photo/South Taranaki District Council

Domestic seabed decision adds tension

The international talks come at a sensitive time domestically.

Last weekend, an expert panel established under the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Act issued a draft decision to decline Trans-Tasman Resources’ application to mine iron sands in the South Taranaki Bight.

The panel concluded that credible risks to marine life, including threatened Māui dolphins, little penguins and other species, outweighed the project’s potential economic benefits.

The ruling is still a draft and subject to final determination and possible legal challenge. Local iwi, environmental groups and community campaigners have welcomed the draft decision as a significant victory for moana protection.

Luxon acknowledged the draft ruling but said the process must be allowed to run its course before any final determination is made.

He has also maintained that the Government is not “anti-mining”, pointing to the role minerals play in economic development and in technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

Deep-sea mining exploration has accelerated globally, raising concerns from Pacific nations and environmental groups about irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems. Photo/Supplied

Wider Pacific implications

Environmental groups argue that the combination of domestic fast-track processes and international critical minerals talks raises broader questions about the Pacific’s future.

Norman says recent moves by the United States to streamline its own seabed mining permit processes signal an acceleration of industrial interest in ocean minerals.

“The US is pressuring every nation they can, including us here in Aotearoa, to bend to their will,” he said. “But resistance to mining the seafloor here and around the Pacific is strong.”

In the Cook Islands, where seabed mineral exploration has also been under discussion, a government spokesperson said any cooperation must be grounded in robust scientific research and careful environmental assessment.

“It’s important to balance potential economic benefits with the protection of ocean ecosystems,” the spokesperson said, emphasising responsible exploration and development.

Balancing trade and protection

Critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements are increasingly sought after for use in renewable energy infrastructure, batteries and advanced technology.

Supporters of international cooperation argue that diversified supply chains strengthen economic resilience and reduce dependence on single markets.

Opponents warn that seabed mining, particularly in Pacific waters, could cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems that sustain coastal communities.

Norman said New Zealand’s stance could influence the wider region.

“New Zealand must not be responsible for helping open up Pandora’s Box on seabed mining,” he said. “The ocean is too precious to mine, with people across the Pacific depending on its health and integrity for survival.”

Photo/Suppled

Experts say the situation highlights growing tension in the Pacific: balancing trade relationships with powerful nations against the environmental and social needs of local communities.

Greenpeace says their message is clear: any deal that prioritises foreign interests over Pacific voices risks long-term damage to the region’s marine environment and the communities that depend on it.

As talks with Washington continue and the fast-track panel prepares its final decision, the debate highlights a growing tension in Aotearoa and across the Pacific: how to balance economic opportunity, international partnerships and the long-term protection of the moana.