David Ranibok Waiau Adeang, President of Nauru since October 2023, is a pivotal political figure in the Pacific's deep-sea mining discourse. As the leader of a nation with vested interests in seabed mineral resources, Adeang has actively championed the exploration and potential exploitation of polymetallic nodules, positioning Nauru at the forefront of this emerging industry.
Born on November 24, 1969, in Yaren District, Nauru, Adeang is the son of Kennan Adeang, who served three terms as Nauru's president. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and master's degrees in diplomacy and trade. Adeang began his political career as a lawyer and was first elected to Parliament in 2001, representing the Ubenide constituency. Over the years, he has held various key positions, including Speaker of Parliament and Minister for Finance and Justice. His extensive experience in governance has solidified his reputation as a seasoned statesman in Nauru's political landscape.
Adeang's advocacy for deep-sea mining is rooted in Nauru's economic history and future aspirations. With the decline of phosphate mining, which once underpinned the nation's economy, Nauru has sought alternative revenue streams. Under Adeang's leadership, the country has partnered with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI), a subsidiary of The Metals Company, to explore the potential of harvesting polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. These nodules contain essential metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, crucial for renewable energy technologies.
In a 2024 interview, Adeang emphasized that collecting these nodules is "not mining in the traditional sense" but rather "sweeping the ocean floor," suggesting a less invasive approach to resource extraction.
At international forums, Adeang has been a vocal proponent of responsible deep-sea mining. During the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, he urged the global community not to let "fear and misinformation" hinder the development of seabed mineral resources. He argued that the "greatest risk we face is not the potential environmental impacts of mineral recovery, but the risk of inaction" in the face of climate change and the urgent need for a global energy transition. Adeang also called on the International Seabed Authority to establish robust regulations to ensure that deep-sea mining activities are conducted sustainably and responsibly.
Looking ahead, President Adeang continues to navigate the complex intersection of economic development and environmental stewardship. By advocating for the exploration of deep-sea resources, he aims to position Nauru as a key player in supplying critical minerals for the global green economy.
