PNG Government Opposes Deep Sea Mining Despite opposition
In a firm stance against deep-sea mining, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape announced at the Third United Nations Oceans Conference in France that the national government does not support such activities due to their potentially devastating environmental consequences. The statement underscores PNG's commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable development.
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| Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape announced at the Third United Nations Oceans Conference in France that the national government does not support Deep Sea Mining |
Despite this official opposition, developments on the ground suggest otherwise. The New Ireland Provincial Government recently issued a statement backing Niu Solwara (formerly Nautilus Minerals Niugini Limited), the company planning to launch the controversial Solwara 1 seabed mining project in the Bismarck Sea by late 2027. This move has sparked debate over jurisdiction and policy alignment between national and provincial authorities.
New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt praised the project, asserting that the new mining techniques employed by Niu Solwara are environmentally safe and promising long-term benefits for local communities and stakeholders. Meanwhile, Northern Province Governor Gary Juffa has strongly criticized the initiative, urging both the national government and his provincial counterpart to halt what he calls an unprecedented and risky industrial experiment.
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