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Seabed Minerals Act 2014 (No. 10 of 2014)

Country/Territory
Tonga
Document type
Legislation
Date
2014
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Long title
An Act to provide for the management of the Kingdom's seabed minerals, and the regulation of exploration and mining activities within the Kingdom's jurisdiction or under the Kingdom's control outside of national jurisdiction, in line with the Kingdom’s responsibilities under international law.
Subject
Environment gen., Mineral resources, Sea, Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
Ecosystem preservation EIA Marine pollution PIC-prior informed consent Minerals Mining Exploration Inspection Royalties/fees Oil Offences/penalties Authorization/permit Biodiversity Protection of habitats
Geographical area
Asia and the Pacific, Oceania, Polynesia, Small Island Developing States, South Pacific
Abstract

This Act regulates exploration and explotation of mineral resources on or in the seabed of waters under the jurisdiction of Tonga and related matters. This Act does not apply to the exploration for or recovery of petroleum. The objects of this Act include: (a) to establish a legal framework and domestic and international investment environment for the development of the Kingdom‘s Seabed Minerals; (b) to establish a legal framework for, and the efficient control of, contractors sponsored by the Kingdom to undertake Seabed Mineral Activities in the Area; (c) to ensure that Seabed Mineral Activities within the Kingdom‘s national jurisdiction, or under the Kingdom‘s sponsorship in the Area, are carried out according to best international practice, and in a manner that is consistent with internationally accepted rules, standards, principles and practices; (d) to secure optimum benefit to the Kingdom from Mining and to implement measures to maximise the benefits of Seabed Mineral Activities for present and future generations of Tongans. In order to achieve its objects, this Act inter alia: (a) creates a regulatory system and designates a responsible Authority to license, monitor and manage the Kingdom‘s involvement with Seabed Mineral Activities; (b) establishes a system for the application for, and grant of Titles under which Title Holders will be authorised to engage in Seabed Mineral Activities under specific and enforceable conditions; (c) creates a register of Titles and provides for the registration of dealings and interests in Titles; (d) creates offences in respect of activities carried out in breach of the provisions of this Act; (e) provides for the protection of the Marine Environment during the conduct of Seabed Mineral Activities, including through the application of the provisions of the EIA Act relating to Environmental Impact Assessment and project permitting.

Full text
English
Website
legislation.to

References - Legislation

Amends

Minerals Act.

Legislation | Tonga | 1949 (2005)

Keyword: Land tenure, Expropriation, Right of use, Minerals, Mining, Exploration, Inspection, Royalties/fees, Oil, Offences/penalties, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX