Source: PNG Village

A computer diagram of the undersea mining of the Solwara 1 Project in New Ireland Province.

Nautilus Minerals, the developer of the Solwara 1 Project is currently developing a Environment Management Plan and monitoring programmes for the project.

According to Nautilus, this is a contingency plan to put to action just in case an unexpected incident occurs during the operation of the project that would require emergency response.

However, Nautilus is committed to protecting waters and fish and will not use any hazardous chemicals during operation.

Nautilus Country Manager, Mr. Mel Togolo said the operation will not produce tailings or neither waste will there be any blasting causing no concerns for wastes and damages to the environment.

“All oils, fluids used in subsea equipment will be Biodegradable, so in the unlikely event there is a spill, the impacts are kept low,” Togolo said.

In addition to this, Nautilus has also already carried out an extensive multi- stakeholder approach in preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an EIS for Solwara 1 Project and was submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation back in 2008.

The assessment is to minimise environmental impact whilst maintaining overall biodiversity and ecosystem health and function.

Meanwhile, things are moving closer to the commencement of operations with Nautilus currently in discussions with a short list of vessel providers to secure a suitable vessel for the sea bed mining project.

Togolo said the vessel will be similar to an off shore construction vessel and they intend to secure the arrangements for a vessel by early November following which they will have a clearer understanding of when operations will commence.

Currently the Seafloor Production Tools are over 90% complete and the Raiser and Lifting System is over 50% complete.