Calls grow for permanent ban on deep sea mining in Fiji

Environmental advocates are calling for a total ban on deep sea mining in Fiji, citing concerns over its potential transboundary impacts and the lack of legally enforceable protections.

Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Vani Catanasiga told fijivillage News that despite Fiji's global stance against deep sea mining including a proposed 10-year moratorium at the 2023 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders Summit, a recent study by Monash University found no legally binding policies in place to enforce such a ban.

Catanasiga says this means deep sea mining could still be permitted under existing legal frameworks.

She says the country's waters are known to contain significant mineral deposits, including copper, gold, zinc, and silver, making them attractive for future deep sea mining operations.

She adds that the citizens should pressure lawmakers to implement a total ban on deep-sea mining to protect marine ecosystems and livelihoods.