THE International Seabed Authority's Council has approved applications for seabed exploration work plans from Nauru, Tonga, China and Russia.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that the applications were recommended for the council's approval by the Legal and Technical Commission of the authority.

"Fiji and Pacific Island countries are represented on this commission by Dr. Russell Howorth, the director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community's Suva-based Applied Geoscience and Technology Division - SOPAC," the statement said.

"In contrast with the Chinese and Russian applications, the Nauruan and Tongan applications faced extended opposition from a number of prominent countries. The Nauruan application was submitted by Nauru Oceanic Resources Inc, and by Tonga Offshore Mining Limited.

"Both applications related to work plans for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (a zone in the mid Pacific) in the mid-east Pacific Ocean."

The statement states that polymetallic nodules or manganese nodules contain varying amounts of manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel.

They occur as potato-sized lumps scattered about on the surface of the ocean floor, mainly in the central Pacific ocean but with some deposits in the Indian ocean. "Fiji is an elected member of the ISA's Council and its delegate, Ambassador Peter Thomson, spoke strongly in support of the Nauruan and Tongan applications," the statement said.

Mr Thomson said Pacific Island countries were at the forefront of international seabed matters, with Fiji having been the first signatory of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Source: Fiji Times - 22nd July, 2011