Alternate realities. Two or more possible realities. Well that’s the way I choose to interpret it. The stuff that science fiction movies are made of. In this case we are talking about science (and a touch of economics) but these realities are a far cry from fiction.

So let’s begin. This reality has that Mista Prime Minista O’Neill and his cabinet have decided that PNG will not wait for further research because the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by Coffey Natural Systems for Nautilus Inc is relevant and thorough.

Slap yourself you naughty child! You should not have an opinion! AND if you do – under no circumstance should you voice that opinion, unless it supports what we (the ever-wise adults) have said! AND whatever scientific research and legal opinion (no matter who from) that has been formulated outside of THIS circle (picture a fair skinned, slightly balding, black haired, wire rimmed spectacled, black-suit and tie wearing, middle aged Papua New Guinean man drawing a circle with his delicate pointers) is IRRELEVANT and surely based on pure emotion.

Seabed Mining. The so-called ‘latest frontier’ in mineral extraction in the commodity hungry industrialized world where cars, houses and airplanes are more and more in demand. The thing is no matter how much people try to dress it up and make it look safe, economical and people friendly – mineral exploitation is mineral exploitation full stop.

via PINA

Papua New Guinea’s investment in Australia reached US$1.2 billion, equal to 12.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010, according to Asian Development Bank country economist Aaron Batten.

This was 350% higher than the amount of money invested by Australian companies in PNG, he said.