For the developing economies of the Pacific the prospect of untold mineral wealth being mined from under the sea is an enticing one.

Already Papua New Guinea has approved the first deep sea mining project in the region, and prospecting surveys have been carried off the coasts of several other countries.

Allied to that officials from around the Pacific will meet in Tonga next week to learn how to get the best deals from companies offering to mine within their exclusive economic zones.

Dr Mike Petterson, the Director of SOPAC, the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of the Secretariat of the South Pacific Community says the aim is to make sure countries are well prepared to handle negotiations with the big mining companies.

Listen to full interview (8.17 min)

Source: ABC Radio Australia - Link

Speaker: Prof. Mike Petterson, Director, SOPAC Geoscience and Technology (SOPAC), Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC.