Article
Balancing Wealth and Environmental Integrity: Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in the Pursuit of Deep-Sea Mining
Shamsul Khan 1, Lei Yu 2,* and Sophia Sui 3
1 Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia
2 Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
3 Research Center for Pacific Island Countries, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China
* Correspondence: lei.yu@bfsu.edu.cn (L.Y.)
Abstract: The seabed within the maritime jurisdictions of the PICs is widely recognized to be rich in minerals, including copper, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements, all of which are critical to modern technologies. The paper finds that some PICs with access to seabed mineral resources are at the forefront of deep-sea mining development, aiming to generate substantial revenue through licensing fees, royalties, and taxation on mining operations. The paper argues that the PICs are confronted with a dual challenge: advancing their economic development via deep-sea mining while conserving their fragile marine ecosystem and marine environment. The paper concludes that prior to the exploitation of seabed mineral resources, the PICs should prioritize sustainable development practices, environmental protection measures and regulatory frameworks to safeguard the ecological integrity of this unique marine ecosystem.
Keywords: South Pacific; deep-sea mining; environmental integrity; developmental state; legislative framework
https://doi.org/10.59711/jims.12.110020
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