Solwara One project to begin in 2018

 By GEDION TIMOTHY LAPAN

THE developer of the Solwara 1 project, Nautilus Minerals, says the project is to begin operation in early 2018.

Nautilus Minerals country manager for Papua New Guinea,  Mel Togolo, told the Mining and Petroleum conference in Port Moresby that the project had the support of Government agencies and landowners to commercialise the first deep-sea mining operation in the country. 

“Contrary to what many people are saying, we have strong Government and local support,” Togolo said.

He said when the mining started extraction, there would not by any tailing as the ore would be exported to China to be processed.  Solwara 1 project is located between the provinces of New Ireland and East New Britain,” he said.

“It is 30 kilometres away from the nearest land point on the west coast of Namantani in  New Ireland.

“And it is about 50 or 60 kilometres from the port of Rabaul.

“We are being watched by big countries (such as) the United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany, China, Japan. 

“Once we can get it going, I think it would be a wonderful contribution to the rest  of the world.”

Nautilus Mineral had been granted the Environment Permit and Mining Lease required for resource development for the project.