Ocean mining plans raise deep concerns for Pacific nations

The President of Palau has called plans to mine the Pacific Ocean sea bed "insanity", saying the untested industry could have catastrophic environmental consequences. Surangel Whipps Junior is calling on the Australian government to show leadership, as the largest nation in the region, and elevate the voices of seven Pacific nations who oppose deep sea mining. But the Australian government has refused to be drawn on the divisive issue