Source: Post Courier

Landowners of the world's first sea bed mining project in the New Ireland Province have threatened to take Canadian developer, Nautilus Minerals Limited, and the National Government to court if they fail to adhere to their demands. The landowners, led by retired PNG Defence Force Major, Mathew Nelson, are currently in Port Moresby to present a petition to the National Government containing eight recommendations. The recommendations call for the delay of the project to allow for amendments to the Mining Act to maximize benefits to the landowners, and also introduce a Seabed Mining Act, as well as for landowners to be included in all discussions and consultations. Mathew Nelson said they have also requested that the National Government engage an Independent group to do an Environmental Study apart from the developers commissioned report to get a second opinion, recognize them as Landowners and not merely Sea Users as is currently the case. Mr. Nelson said they have also requested that they become signatories in all MOA's and the consultative team, allow the New Ireland Province (NIP) to be given the remaining 15 percent equity, ownership to all tenement and patent right, and approve their proposed NIP Seabed Mining Structure. He said they are taking this stance as a stepping stone in getting back their birthright,. and setting this as a benchmark for future sea bed mines in the country and the rest of the world as well.