French Polynesia’s government has announced its intention to oppose a proposal by American Deep Sea Minerals to conduct seabed mining exploration in international waters adjacent to the territory’s maritime boundaries. The company holds a pending permit application with U.S. regulators seeking approval to extract minerals for battery and military technology production in an area known as Eastern High Seas Pocket 3.
Territory president Moetai Brotherson stated that while the company made initial contact, no meaningful consultation has occurred. He noted that the government received only a brief introductory email and a follow-up request for more information went unanswered. Brotherson emphasized that under international law, Indigenous peoples possess rights to free, prior, and informed consent regarding development projects affecting their ancestral territories.
The dispute reflects broader tensions over seabed mining regulation. The Trump administration opened applications for deep-sea mining permits last year, bypassing ongoing international negotiations at the International Seabed Authority. This approach has drawn criticism from nations and organizations citing violations of international law. American Deep Sea Minerals stated it intends to consult with affected governments as its exploration program develops, though Brotherson characterized the application as part of a pathway toward commercial mining rather than neutral scientific research.
French Polynesia banned seabed mining domestically in 2022 and established Tainui Atea, a marine protected area covering nearly all island exclusive waters, with additional prohibitions added last September. The territory supports an environmental impact assessment and meaningful consultation before any activities proceed. Brotherson indicated that his government wants to invoke a new United Nations High Seas Treaty provision to establish conservation protections for the Eastern High Seas Pocket 3, describing the outcome as potentially setting an important precedent for ocean protection globally. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is accepting public comments on the application through August 3.