Breaking the Surface: The Future of Deep Sea Mining in the Pacific

Summary

Papua New Guinea is poised to pioneer deep-sea mining, partnering with Nautilus Minerals to exploit hydrothermal vents in the Bismark Sea. The government consults local communities and stakeholders on managing this industry, which could provide significant revenue for Pacific island nations. Concerns about the environmental impact and community livelihoods are addressed. Vanuatu and PNG work together to develop policies and regulations for this emerging industry, aiming to balance economic benefits with environmental stewardship.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Papua New Guinea is poised to be the first country to initiate deep-sea mining, partnering with Canadian company Nautilus Minerals.
• 📍 The mining site is located 1,600 meters below the Bismark Sea, near small communities on PNG's New Ireland province.
• 🤝 The PNG government is consulting with local communities and stakeholders to manage the emerging industry's development.
• 💰 Deep-sea minerals could provide significant revenue for Pacific Island nations, but concerns exist about environmental impacts.
• 🌍 The film explores how PNG and Vanuatu are working with communities to manage the future opportunities and impacts of deep-sea mining.
• 📉 Over 300 deep-sea exploration licenses have been granted, yet many Pacific Island countries lack the necessary policies and regulations.
• 🏛️ Vanuatu is conducting community consultations to determine the best approach to manage deep-sea mining's potential opportunities and impacts.
• 💼 The PNG government took a 15% equity stake in the Nautilus offshore mining operation, which is projected to contribute significantly to the economy.
• 🏭 On land, PNG's mining industry already contributes up to 70% of the country's export revenues, with most proceeds going to the central government.
• 🤝 Nautilus plans to establish a Community Development Fund to address local priorities like schools, health clinics, and roads.
• 📜 The PNG government has designated a coastal area of benefit to recognize communities living near offshore mining activities and ensure investment supports community development.

Q & A

Which country is likely to be the first to begin deep-sea mining?

Papua New Guinea.

Which Canadian company is collaborating with the PNG government for deep-sea mining?

Nautilus Minerals.

What is the depth of the hydrothermal vent system that Nautilus Minerals is planning to mine?

The hydrothermal vent system is located 1,600 meters below the surface of the Bismark Sea.

How far is the deep-sea mining site from the small communities along PNG's New Ireland province?

The site is just 30 kilometers from the small communities.

What are the potential benefits of deep-sea minerals for Pacific island nations?

Deep-sea minerals could provide much-needed revenue for several Pacific island nations.

What concerns remain about the impacts of deep-sea mining on the marine environment and local communities?

There are concerns about the impacts of mining on the marine environment and the livelihoods of communities that depend on it.

What steps is Vanuatu taking to manage the potential opportunities and impacts of deep-sea mining?

Vanuatu is undertaking detailed consultation with their communities about the best way to manage the potential opportunities and impacts.

What percentage equity stake did the PNG government decide to take in the Nautilus offshore mining operation?

The PNG government decided to take a 15% equity stake.

What does Nautilus plan to establish to meet locally determined priorities like schools and health clinics?

Nautilus plans to establish a Community Development Fund.

What is the role of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in helping island nations manage deep-sea resources?

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community started a project to help island nations strengthen the management of these valuable deep-sea resources.

What is the stance of the churches and the National Council of Women on deep-sea mining?

The churches and the National Council of Women have said no to deep-sea mining.