A cost-benefit analysis released by the Secretariat of Pacific Communities (SPC) and the European Union on potential deep sea mining (DSM) projects in three Pacific countries found that the projects can be viable.
But other research suggests there remain serious concerns about the new, untested DSM industry.
The European Union and SPC have published a new report [see below] claiming the money to be made from experimental seabed mining in PNG far outweighs the costs. Unfortunately the expensive report:
PNG is playing a dangerous game with people’s livelihoods, environment and culture by embarking on experimental seabed mining without understanding the potential impacts on the regions fish and fisheries, according to a South Pacific Community research proposal.
In April next year Papua New Guinea will appear before the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva to explain its human rights record.
ACT NOW! has made a submission to the UN that focuses on the PNG government's very poor record on land grabbing, illegal logging and experimental seabed mining.
The three 250 tonne mega machines that Nautilus Minerals will use to chew up the seafloor in PNG have finally been unveiled.
One can only imagine the destruction that is going to be caused and the impacts on sea life and vital fishing stocks once these mechanical giants are unleashed…
The stunningly beautiful Duke of York islands are the closest small islands to the site of the proposed Solwara 1 experimental mine in Papua New Guinea, yet the islanders say they have been completely ignored in the mine development process.
Around 100 community activisits in Madang have been meeting this week to learn more and share ideas on experimental seabed mining before travelling out to connect with communities in the New Guinea islands region.