As the global race intensifies to identify alternative energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, interest in Deep Sea Minerals (DSM) has surged. These minerals, essential for renewable energy technologies, electronics, electric vehicles, and aerospace advancements, are now at the center of international discussions toward green energy transition.
With geopolitical issues affecting supply chains of these base minerals, particularly from major suppliers like China and Russia, an alternate source for cobalt, nickel and manganese is needed. The deep sea offers this new frontier source in large swathes located mainly in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).
Many developed nations are accelerating efforts to transition to a low-carbon future resulting in an increased reliance on deep sea minerals. This shift has pressured Pacific nations to consider the economic opportunities and environmental risks associated with DSM mining especially with large mineral deposits located in the Pacific Ocean.
The largest deep sea mineral deposit on earth is located in the Pacific Ocean specifically in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) between Hawaii and Mexico. Other deposits exist in other Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas of some Pacific countries.
Figure 1. Location of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) [Courtesy: Pew Charitable Trust]
Pacific island communities stand to be affected should there be devastating effects to fisheries and neighboring marine ecosystems but also do stand to gain from the economic benefits of this new industry in the near future.
To begin socialising this idea and exploring options for the access or the preservation of this mineral source and its surrounding environments, Pacific Island leaders – during the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November 2023 organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) – joined in one voice to call for greater regional dialogue.
As a result, the first Talanoa session on all aspects concerning Deep Sea Minerals was convened in 2024 with the assistance of the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) and PIFS.
To facilitate in-depth discussions, The University of the South Pacific (USP) played a pivotal role in the preparatory process.
Between 17 December 2024, and 8 February 2025, USP staff from the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS), the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE), and the Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF) contributed to fifteen Informal Working Group (IWG) meetings.
These sessions laid the technical groundwork for the Pacific’s first high-level Talanoa session on DSM, held from February 18-21, 2025.
In his remarks, the USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia said, “The University of the South Pacific is deeply committed to supporting the region in navigating the complexities surrounding deep sea minerals. Through our newly established Centre for Sustainable Futures, we are fostering critical research and data analysis that will inform sustainable practices and policies.”
“It is imperative that Pacific nations have access to the best available science as they make decisions about the future of their resources, and USP is proud to play a leading role in providing that expertise.”
The USP team, led by Dr Isoa Korovulavula, included scholars from multiple disciplines, including social sciences (Associate Professor Elise Huffer and Dr Milla Vaha), environmental sciences, chemical and biological sciences, and marine sciences (Dr Brian Stockwell and Mr Joape Ginigini).
Their expertise was instrumental in shaping discussions across three key thematic areas:
The objectives of the talanoa sessions were to:
Figure 2. Dr Isoa Korovulavula (Centre for Sustainable Futures) leads Session 5 which relates to economic considerations on DSM. [Courtesy: OPOC]
Reflecting on USP’s role, IWG lead Dr Isoa Korovulavula said the regional institution’s involvement underscored the critical knowledge and research conducted at the University.
“This paradigm shift in energy sources demands scientifically backed decision-making, and USP stands ready to provide the necessary research and collaboration to support Pacific leaders.”
Associate Professor Awnesh Singh, Interim Director of the Centre for Sustainable Futures, expressed appreciation for the USP team’s commitment.
“The spirit of cooperation demonstrated by our team in contributing to the talanoa session alongside other Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies highlights the importance of collective efforts in shaping the Pacific’s approach to DSM. Our shared knowledge will be crucial in guiding sustainable and informed decision-making for the region.”
As Pacific nations navigate the complex intersection of economic opportunity and environmental stewardship, the outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future approach to DSM.
The call for continued dialogue and research remains strong, ensuring that Pacific voices lead the conversation on this critical issue.
Figure 3. Mr Joape Ginigini (Centre for Sustainable Futures) leading Session 3 during the IWG CROP technical meeting and presentations to regional government representatives. [Courtesy: OPOC]
