Pacific island alliance impose deep-sea mining moratorium

A group of Pacific island nations, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, has imposed a moratorium on deep-sea mining in their territorial waters, citing the need for more research on its environmental impact. The move hinders the Solwara 1 project in Papua New Guinea, operated by Canada-based Nautilus Minerals, which aimed to be the world's first deep-sea mining endeavour. While proponents argue that deep-sea minerals are essential for electric vehicle batteries, critics express concerns about potential damage to benthic ecosystems and fisheries. The signatories of the Udaune Declaration also call for a broader Pacific region moratorium on deep-sea mining. (Mongabay)