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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Tiare Tuuhia in Papeete

‘Playing gods with the cradle of life’: French Polynesia’s president issues warning over deep-sea mining

The coast and green mountains of French Polynesia’s capital, Papeete
French Polynesia’s capital, Papeete. President Moetai Brotherson says deep-sea mining is a ‘lure’ for Pacific island countries to develop their economies. Photograph: NAPA/Alamy

French Polynesia’s president has issued a stark warning over the risks of deep-sea mining, saying it will be allowed in his territory “over my dead body” as he argues the potential for environmental damage outweighs any benefits.

Moetai Brotherson’s comments to the Guardian come as countries in the Pacific and elsewhere grapple with whether to extract minerals from the sea floor. Deep-sea mining has not yet begun, but some companies and countries are exploring the practice, which could start in the coming years.

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