Panguna mine in Bougainville (2022) PC: Island Business Pacific News

Cathy Tukne | Information Coordinator

Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces a defining moment in its pursuit of sustainable development. As the world grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, our nation faces increasing threats to food security, marine ecosystems, and the sustainable livelihoods of our people. Instead of prioritizing the well-being of communities and protecting our natural heritage, PNG continues to adhere to an extractive economic model that has historically harmed our land, our people, and future. The environmental, cultural, and social cost of logging, mining, and oil extraction has been staggering. Now, the New Ireland provincial government is entertaining the idea of deep-sea mining. This is deeply alarming.

Seabed mining, which involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor, is being touted as a new economic opportunity. Yet, research shows that the environmental impacts of this activity are irreversible.

According to the Deep Sea Mining Campaign, seabed mining could lead to the loss of rare and vulnerable marine ecosystems, disruption of fisheries, and pollution of coastal waters which communities depend on for their survival (DSM Campaign, 2021).

Even the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) has warned that deep sea mining is not only environmentally dangerous but also economically risky, with no proven long-term benefits for local communities. If allowed, this activity could destroy marine biodiversity, including fish stocks that are critical to the diets and economies of coastal Papua New Guineans.

A Call to Reject Sea Bed Minning

The recent announcement by the New Ireland provincial government supporting seabed mining in Namatanai (Post Courier, 2024) is a reckless move that must be challenged. This decision not only disregards the environmental risks associated with deep-sea mining but also overlooks the strong opposition from local communities, religious institutions, and environmental organizations.

 Duke of York Islands is rallying behind the banning of seabed mining. (7/06/2025) PC: Rodolf Eiss Facebook

• Lessons from Nautilus Minerals

The people of New Ireland have already experienced the destructive consequences of experimental seabed mining. During the early stages of the Nautilus Minerals' Solwara 1 project, local communities reported disturbing environmental signs such as floating dead fish, murky waters, and disrupted marine liferaising urgent concerns about the health of their marine ecosystems (ABC News, 2012).

In 2012, over 18,000 Papua New Guineans signed a national petition opposing the project, reflecting strong grassroots resistance to deep-sea mining (Deep Sea Mining Campaign, 2012). Despite this, the PNG Government proceeded to invest K300 million (USD $120 million) into the project by purchasing a 15% equity stake through the state-owned enterprise Petromin. This decision was made without securing proper environmental guarantees or community consent (The Guardian, 2019).

Nautilus Minerals eventually went bankrupt in 2019, leaving behind no operational mine, no economic return, and no environmental remediation. The project collapsed under financial mismanagement and public backlash, and to this day, there has been no accountability for the loss of public funds or the long-term damage threatened to coastal and marine environments (Mongabay, 2020).

This failed project must serve as a national warning: Seabed mining in Papua New Guinea has already proven to be environmentally reckless, economically disastrous, and politically irresponsible. Communities across the country should not have to relive the failures of Nautilus in the name of development.

• Environmental and Social Concerns

Scientists and environmental organizations worldwide have warned against seabed mining due to its catastrophic environmental risks.

The Solwara 1 project, located 25 kilometers off New Ireland's coast, aims to extract minerals from the seafloor, potentially disrupting habitats and affecting fisheries that local communities rely on for food and income. Previous activities in the area have already led to environmental concerns, with reports of dead fish washing ashore during initial testing phases.

Deep-sea mining poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, many of which are still poorly understood.

• Community Opposition

Local communities, particularly in Namatanai raised serious concerns during the Nautilus Minerals operations over a decade ago, citing strange occurrences that affected their livelihood. 

Mainline churches in the region have joined the call to ban deep-sea mining, emphasizing the potential dangers to the marine environment.

Organizations like the Alliance of Solwara Warriors and Caritas Kavieng have been actively campaigning against the project, highlighting the lack of proper consultation and the potential harm to livelihoods.

• Legal and Regulatory Issues

Seabed mining will breach the well-established international law concept known as the precautionary principle. This is confirmed in a legal opinion prepared by the United States office of the Environmental Law Alliance World Wide.

ELAW says the application of the precautionary principle supports a moratorium on seabed mining until the risks of harm to the marine environment and coastal people are better known and understood.

The opinion was prepared by ELAW at the request of a coalition of Pacific based civil society groups led by Pacific Action Network on Globization based in Fiji and ACT NOW!.

There are also concerns about the legal framework governing seabed mining in Papua New Guinea. Critics argue that the current laws are inadequate to address the unique challenges posed by deep-sea mining.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency and proper consultation with affected communities raises questions about the legitimacy of the project's approval process.

• National and Regional Stance

At the national level, Prime Minister James Marape has supported a moratorium on deep-sea mining, aligning with the Melanesian Spearhead Group's declaration to halt such activities until more research is conducted. This position reflects a broader regional consensus on the need for caution and further study before proceeding with deep-sea mining projects.

The New Ireland Provincial Government's support for seabed mining in Namatanai contradicts both national policy and the will of local communities. Given the environmental risks, legal uncertainties, and strong public opposition, it is imperative to halt the project and prioritize sustainable development that respects the rights and livelihoods of the people of New Ireland.

The push for seabed mining follows a long history of failed mining projects (like the Panguna and Ok Tedi disasters) that left lasting environmental and social damage.

Reality of Extractive Industries in PNG

PNG’s experience with terrestrial extractive industries paints a grim picture. Communities around the Ok Tedi mine, Panguna mine, and Porgera mine have faced decades of toxic waste, land degradation, displacement, and human rights violations. These operations have enriched a few while leaving lasting scars on the people and the environment.

The question we must ask are: 

Why does PNG keep sacrificing its people and environment for short-term economic gains when a more sustainable path exists?

Why should PNG, a nation already suffering from the impacts of logging, oil, and gas extraction, now gamble with our oceans?

  A little boy walking on the newly cleared road for logging. (Photo by Elodie Van Lierde)

Customary Land is the Foundation of Resilience and Sustainability

Customary land in PNG is the living basis of identity, culture, livelihood, and survival for millions. When protected and supported, customary land enables communities to build resilient, sustainable livelihoods.

Today, cocoa and coffee production largely driven by smallholder farmers on customary land are generating significant export earnings and employment across PNG. Beyond economic benefits, these crops strengthen food security, support biodiversity, and foster community development, making them essential pillars of sustainable livelihoods.

Economically, the value of customary land and the rural economy it supports is immense but often overlooked. According to Act Now! a single rural household’s subsistence activities, such as growing food and raising animals can be worth up to K20,000 per year, with informal trade and market sales adding another K20,000. With over one million rural families engaged in this work, the cumulative value reaches roughly K40 billion per year, vastly exceeding combined earnings from gold, gas, petroleum, copper, timber, and palm oil (about K7 billion). This informal rural economy not only underpins household incomes and national food security, but also sustains livelihoods for over a million people daily.

Imagine what could be achieved if the government shifted its focus from extractive industries to investing in agriculture, agricultural infrastructure, local markets, farmers capacity building and rural development, the potential for transformation would be immense. Redirecting resources toward these sustainable sectors would not only safeguard livelihoods but also promote economic resilience, ensuring that development remains people-centered and environmentally responsible.

Unlike many other nations, 95% of land in PNG is customary-owned (FOA, 2021). This means our people have direct control over their resources if given the right support.

PNG does not need more extraction, we need smarter, people-centred development.

 Audi, a mother of eight processing coffee, in Marawaka Eastern Highlands Province.  PC: IG@prisillamanove (IG)

A Call to Action

We urge the PNG government to:

• Immediately halt seabed mining projects and conduct independent environmental and social impact assessments.
• Redirect investments into sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and renewable energy.
• Empower customary landowners with the tools, training, and policies needed to manage their resources sustainably.

The people of PNG have the right to a healthy environment and a sustainable future. We must say NO to seabed mining and YES to protecting our land and oceans for generations to come.

Reference

• Deep Sea Mining Campaign. (2021). Why the Rush? Seabed Mining in the Pacific. www.deepseaminingoutofourdepth.org

• FAO. (2021). Customary Land Tenure in Papua New Guinea. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

• Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG). (2020). Seabed Mining in the Pacific: A Dangerous Experiment.

• Anderson, T. (2015). Land and Livelihoods in Papua New Guinea. ACT Now! PNG & AID/WATCH.

• Post Courier. (2024). "Namatanai Churches taking stand to ban deep-sea mining."

• Post Courier. (2024). "Chan raises concern over deep sea mining."

• Post Courier. (2024). "Caritas joins fight against sea bed mining."

• Mongabay. (2023). "Pacific alliance adopts moratorium on deep-sea mining, halting resurgent PNG project."

•  Post Courier. (2024). "Deep sea mining opposed in NIP."

• Papua New Guinea’s Real Economy - Factsheet

• Customary Land and the Huge Economy it Supports - video / TV advert