Seabed mining sparks environmental concerns

LEADERS of Rabaul district in East New Britain want the Nautilus Minerals Explorations Limited to provide evidence that the proposed Solwara One seabed mining operation will not destroy environment and marine resources.
They are concerned about a potential impact on the coastal areas of New Ireland and East New Britain.
A committee which met at the office of Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat on  Thursday raised the concern in response to the intention by the company to carry out community projects on Watom Island and on the north coast of the Gazelle Peninsula. Rabaul district administrator Marakan Uvano said Nautilus planned to build health facilities on the island and on the north coast of Rabaul as part of its services to the people who would be affected by the deep-sea mining operations.
Uvano said the company was already delivering health facilities in strategic locations along the west coast of New Ireland.
Statesman Sir Ronald Tovue urged the committee to voice its objection to seabed mining activities in the Bismarck Sea.
Marat has maintained his objection to under-sea mining operations since Nautilus applied to the government for mineral exploration rights in the Bismarck Sea which covered New Britain and New Ireland.
Marat warned that the safety of the livelihood of the coastal people of Rabaul would be affected if the Solwara One project was allowed to proceed.