Speaker’s 2025 Debate Series Begins July 10 with Focus on Seabed Mining

The first Speaker’s Debate for 2025 will officially launch on Wednesday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m., with a public forum on the topic:
“Seabed Mining: The Good and the Bad.”

This timely event invites the public to engage in a national conversation on the potential economic opportunities and environmental challenges of deep-sea mining—a sector in which Tonga has been actively involved since 2011.

Featured Speakers

• Victor Vescovo
  A venture capitalist with investments in heavy industry, aerospace, and life sciences. He has previously owned companies in terrestrial mining and metal recycling.
• Lori Osmundsen
  An international environmental lawyer and governance advisor with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.
• Rose Lesley Kautoke
  A Tongan lawyer with over 14 years of experience, specializing in the Law of the Sea, including maritime boundary delimitation, deep-seabed mining, marine environmental protection, and biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
• Taniela Kula
  Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Mr. Kula has served in various roles since 1995, including Geologist, Senior Urban Planner, and Deputy CEO of the Natural Resources Division.
• Muimui Napa’a Lilo
  Country Manager of Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TMOL), a subsidiary of The Metals Company. TMOL is working to source critical minerals for the global energy transition by collecting polymetallic nodules from the Clarion Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean.

Parliamentary Debate

• Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu – Speaking in favor of seabed mining
• Hon. Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione – Speaking against

The event will feature expert presentations, a formal parliamentary-style debate, and an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and share their views.

All are welcome to attend and participate in this important national dialogue.