Proposed sea bed Mining project in PNG in breach of International laws

The proposed sea bed mining project in Papua New Guinea will be in breach of International laws.

Catholic Professionals Society of PNG Executive and Environmental Lawyer Camillus Narokobi highlighted this recently, saying that there will be a breach to the freedom of navigation by international vessels if the project becomes a reality.

The project solwara 1, to be developed by Canadian Company, Nautilus Minerals in the New Ireland and East New Britain seas is set to begin in 2018.

“The area that is being targeted for sea bed mining falls within our jurisdiction, it is an area that falls under international law.

The passage between Rabaul and New Ireland is called St George Passage.

That is regarded as an International Strait, it is one of the seven international straits Papua New Guinea has, it Is all within the Bismarck Archipelago.

And so both the New Ireland and East New Britain Provincial Governments have a right to say what has to be done or what should not be done.

And International rights include freedom of navigation, by ships and submarines that can come through those waters without giving prior notice.

NBC News