French Polynesia: Murky Waters — The Challenge and Risks of Deep-Sea Mining “Development”

The pressing pursuit and lure of deep-sea mining (DSM) to address the growing global need for critical minerals presents serious challenges for French Polynesia (FP) with its mineral-rich waters as there are a host of unknowns. This report contributes to existing research through a multi-disciplinary lens, including environmental, economic, and social aspects to provide an evidence-based review of the significant DSM challenges, provide policy recommendations, and explore development alternatives. The analysis provides an overview of the current state of DSM from technological perspective. Through land-based mining case studies, the report situates DSM within the broader extractive industry to highlight the environmental and other challenges, and the hard lessons learned from land-based mining and connect these to DSM. The report details current DSM techniques, which are still in their early stage, and underscores the significant technical and feasibility gaps, as well as the considerable knowledge gaps on the impacts and risks of DSM.

The study then provides legal analysis, setting forth avenues available to FP to address development for exploitation before the International Seabed Authority, the potential challenges and conflicts in applying land-based mining techniques to DSM, and facilitating economic development through digital nomad visas and a digital knowledge-based curriculum. Finally, the study presents alternative economic development opportunities that leverage the unique characteristics and advantages of French Polynesia. The study recommends a shift towards renewable energy sources, sustainable tourism, and innovative initiatives, such as positioning FP as a Pacific research hub. Finally, the study provides a review of the country's banking sector, which provides the backbone for sound policy and further economic development.

*This project was supported by Professor Jenik Radon.