The Agreement guarantees the Republic of Nauru will continue to receive existing financial benefits, training and capacity building programs and in-country community and social programs it receives today, while ensuring that, in consideration for its continued sponsorship of NORI, Nauru will receive continuity benefits upon the commencement of commercial production by NORI or another TMC subsidiary.
The President of the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency David Adeang, commented: “NORI and TMC have been trusted and respectful partners to Nauru throughout this pioneering journey. Together, we have worked to establish a responsible pathway for deep-sea mineral development—one that can serve as a model for other developing states. As a Pacific Small Island Developing State, our identity and future are inseparable from the ocean, and we would never support any activity that risks serious harm to it. Science, not slogans, has always guided our stewardship, and we remain committed to that path.”
“We believe the world must explore new sources of critical metals if we are to address the urgent realities of climate change. For small island nations like ours, this is not an abstract concern—it’s an existential one. We seek practical, science-based solutions that allow us to participate meaningfully in the energy transition. We are grateful to NORI and TMC for their continued partnership and commitment to responsible development that will deliver lasting benefits to the people of Nauru.”
Since becoming the first Developing State to sponsor a polymetallic nodule exploration contract in the Reserved Area of the Clarion Clipperton Zone, Nauru, and NORI have taken a leading role in shaping the deep-sea mining industry. Over the course of 22 offshore research campaigns, NORI has assembled the world’s most comprehensive dataset of deep-sea environmental information and conducted the first integrated mining test in the CCZ since the 1970s. This has generated valuable in-field impact data, ensuring that environmental management is informed by evidence and best practices.
Nauru’s efforts align with the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, a shared vision by Pacific Leaders for a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity where all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. Through the sustainable use of our ocean resources—what Nauru calls the Blue Economy—the country aims to generate economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs while preserving the health of our marine ecosystems for future generations.
As one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, Nauru strongly supports the application of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to capture better the economic and environmental risks that Small Island Developing States face. The development of deep-sea minerals, guided by robust science and ecological safeguards, presents an opportunity to enhance Nauru’s economic stability and resilience with the support of responsible partners like NORI and TMC. In accordance with the Agreement, the Government of Nauru will channel the majority of the financial benefits into the Intergenerational Trust Fund of Nauru as a strategic measure to address structural vulnerabilities and enhance the nation’s long-term economic resilience.
Gerard Barron, Chairman and CEO of TMC, added: “Over the past 14 years, we have been fortunate to receive the steadfast support and partnership of the Government and people of Nauru. Their courage and leadership in championing a science- and rules-based approach to deep-seabed mineral development have helped shape not only our company but the trajectory of this emerging industry. Without their trust and commitment, none of what we’ve built would have been possible.”
“We remain unshakeable in our commitment to developing this project responsibly, transparently, and in a way that delivers real benefits for all Nauruans. We are deeply proud of the work we have done together—from building the most comprehensive environmental research program in deep-seabed resource development to pioneering a path for other small island developing states to participate meaningfully in this industry. This is a partnership rooted in shared values, and we look forward to continuing this journey, guided by science and respect for the ocean that connects us all. I’m also heartened by the recent Executive Order’s call for a joint assessment of a seabed benefit-sharing mechanism, and certain that ‘Big Ocean States’ like Nauru will continue to play a leading role in this industry.”
Looking ahead, Nauru remains committed to working with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and will continue to sponsor NORI.
The President of the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency David Adeang, added: “Together, we can drive and deliver on the promise of the Blue Pacific—one that strengthens our sovereignty, secures our oceans, and uplifts the lives of our people.”