Fiji, Sept. 22 -- Tonga is one of the sponsoring states for The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian deep sea mining company trying to secure rights to mine in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) between Hawai'i and Mexico.

It's been 5 years since TMC first built their relationship with the kingdom under an agreement with Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) a company under TMC.

In August the Tongan government signed a revised agreement with TOML despite heavy criticism from NGOs and members of the public.

The Minister of Lands and Survey, Dr 'Uhilameilangi Fasi highlighted public misinterpretation of the agreement adding that research activities are taking place in Tongan waters but clarified that all works are in the CCZ.

However, Tu'amel...