SPC Geoscience Division

12 APRIL 2011 NUKU’ALOFA (GOVERNMENT OF TONGA) - A Korean research vessel will carry out scientific studies on seabed minerals in Tongan waters over the next several months.

The IBRV Araon arrived 9th April with the aim of investigating seabed massive sulphide deposits such as copper, silver and gold in Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

At a special ceremony to welcome the new ship on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Kuita Vaipulu, in his role as Acting Prime Minister, thanked the Korean Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) for organising the visit.