The Pacific island nation of Kiribati is in talks with China to explore a deep-sea mining partnership, potentially granting access to a vast section of the Pacific Ocean rich in valuable metals and minerals. China has been increasing its efforts to engage with Pacific nations holding significant seafloor deposits of cobalt, nickel, and copper, recently signing a cooperation deal with the Cook Islands.

Kiribati initiated discussions with Chinese ambassador Zhou Limin after a previous agreement with Canadian deep-sea mining company The Metals Company fell apart. The government expressed optimism, calling the talks a chance to explore potential collaboration for the sustainable exploration of Kiribati`s deep-ocean resources.

Kiribati holds deep-sea mining rights over a 75,000-square-kilometre area in the Pacific Ocean. Until recently, it had been working with The Metals Company to develop these mineral deposits through its state-owned subsidiary, Marawa Research. However, the agreement with The Metals Company was terminated at the end of 2024 due to the mining rights being deemed less commercially favourable compared to other projects the company was pursuing.

The Metals Company is seeking regulatory approval for deep-sea mining in international waters and already has partnerships with other Pacific nations, including Nauru and Tonga. Meanwhile, the International Seabed Authority is currently discussing the regulations for deep-sea extraction in Jamaica.

Kiribati, which severed ties with Taiwan in 2019, has grown closer to China in recent years. Chinese companies have gained access to the nation`s fisheries, and Chinese police have visited Kiribati to assist with local security training. Some political figures, such as Tessie Lambourne, have expressed concern that Kiribati`s government is prioritizing China`s interests in exchange for economic support.

While Kiribati and other Pacific nations like Nauru, Tonga, and the Cook Islands see deep-sea mining as a potential path to economic prosperity, other Pacific nations like Palau, Fiji, and Samoa remain opposed due to environmental concerns. The debate over deep-sea mining continues as the region weighs the potential benefits against ecological risks.