Nautilus to release data, info
I REFER to the letter “Nautilus must provide info” (March 10) by V. Badira of Tokyo.
First of all, I would like to point out that Nautilus does not have a licence from the PNG Government to mine and currently there are no deep sea mining operations in PNG.
We do have a licence to explore and gather data to allow a fully informed decision about the project.
We have a team of experts with strong experience in relevant sciences doing work on all aspects of oceanography and deep sea ecology.
We appreciate Badira’s effort in assembling a group of his colleagues to discuss issues related to the project.
We have done likewise and as he correctly pointed out, hydrodynamic studies are appropriate for the kind of project we are interested in.
Our consultants involved with these long-term hydrodynamic studies include Coffey Natural Systems (formerly Enesar Consulting) and Asia-Pacific Applied Science Associates.
I like to point out that data and information gathered from these studies will be made available through the EIS process when the studies have been completed.
Furthermore, at the local level, we continue to work with relevant expertise in pursing this project and continue to give regular updates to relevant authorities and the communities concern.

Mel Togolo, Country manager
Letters