Tonga mining deal sparks outrage over transparency

A Tongan advocate says the renewal of an agreement between the island Kingdom and Canadian deep sea mining company, The Metals Company (TMC) contradicts the will of the people.

Elizabeth Kite says she’s concerned that the Tongan government has broken its pledge for transparency by renewing a deal with TMC, which includes a payment clause that lawyers interpret as an implication of mining activities.

In an interview with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Kite, who is also the founder of Take The Lead - Tonga’s first youth-led group, says despite the public voting against deep sea mining during an open debate in Parliament, the government went ahead with the agreement in New York, just a week later.

“The thing that mostly concerns us, especially in the civil society, is that despite the agreement being signed prior in previous governments, this was the first government to have actually had the opportunity to hear from people,” Kite says.

The parliamentary debate featured international experts brought into Tonga, along with representatives from the Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML), a subsidiary of TMC.

Following the session, the public was given the chance to vote on deep sea mining, with the majority opposing it.

Advocate Elizabeth Kite. Photo/Supplied

Kite says there is growing public concern regarding the government’s lack of transparency about the agreement signed with TMC.

She points out the irony of the situation, saying that the current government had previously dissolved the former administration due to issues of transparency and accountability.

According to lawyers working with civil society groups, the government’s claim that it is only in the exploration phase could be misleading, as the agreement does not include a ‘no payment’ clause.

Watch Elizabeth Kite's full interview below.

The initial agreement was signed in 2021 by former Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tuionetoa.

“A payment clause is only necessary apparently only if there’s some benefits coming out of it which would have to mean mining,” Kite says.

“But the government is saying there’s no mining just yet, just exploration and research but that’s not clear in the agreement so we’re asking for all these clarifications and they seem to be quite reluctant to be open about this.”

Kite says TOML has effectively engaged with Tonga’s local community by providing scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities.

“I don’t blame Tongans in our communities for getting the help that they need. They need it. Our students need these scholarships.

“But TOML waving that around as if they’re doing good when really their intentions are overall evil for the ocean, which is why the government, who are there to protect us, need to be far more cautious.”

Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Metals Company. Photo/Supplied

Kite says they have had discussions with Tonga’s Prime Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Eke, who, she adds, does not fully control the situation. “We’re grateful for that open dialogue even though he’s not doing much to help at the moment.”

With elections scheduled for November, Kite is urging Tongans to vote wisely and to support candidates who prioritise the most vulnerable members of society, such as children.

“Our humpback whales have brought millions of dollars into our economy. We need to protect them as well, and the baby calves that come into Tonga.

“I think the most important message we all need to be hearing right now is we need to be very careful of who we're voting for and do our homework with who that we're giving our vote to to ensure that they will prioritise the most vulnerable and really go in and do the work that they say that they will do.”